Zul Hanafi (b. 1996, Perak, Malaysia) is a visual artist based in Kuala Lumpur. Interested in the idea that a painting can portray a soul, his recent work explores surreal and biomorphic forms that reflect the evolving relationship between humans and technology.
At the heart of his practice is the concept of the digital companion—a symbolic presence representing our intimate connection with technology in daily life. His compositions often feature three recurring elements: storage, processor, and transmitter—forming a complete system that suggests a sentient device.
Zul’s imagery draws inspiration from domestic interiors, everyday objects, films, and cartoons, which he reinterprets into forms that feel both organic and artificial. His work invites reflection on how soul and signal, nature and machine, can coexist and evolve together.
Zul holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang (2020). His exhibitions include Futures, a two-person show at Rissim Contemporary, Kuala Lumpur (2023). He has participated in several residencies, including Confluence, an online artist residency with i.e. Art Projects and the Independent Online Art Foundation (2021), and K[otak]Ku, a virtual residency with Haus KCH, Sarawak (2021). In 2019, he was awarded first place in the 3D category at the Penang Art Open, organized by the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery.