Adeel uz Zafar has carved a niche in the contemporary art world with his ultra-detailed, labor-intensive technique involving scratching into photographic film or vinyl.

Best known for his depictions of plush toys and figurative icons wrapped in bandages, his work explores themes of concealment, identity, and the fragile nature of memory. By using a sharp surgical blade to etch into dark surfaces, Zafar creates a high-contrast, etched aesthetic that mimics the look of traditional woodcut or engraving but on a monumental, contemporary scale.

The bandage, a recurring motif in Zafar’s practice, serves as a metaphor for healing, trauma, and the protective layers we build around our inner selves. These wrapped figures—often recognizable characters from pop culture or childhood—are transformed from soft, comforting objects into eerie, sculptural forms. This juxtaposition creates a tension between the familiar and the uncanny, inviting viewers to question what is hidden beneath the surface. His practice bridges the gap between commercial illustration and fine art, challenging the boundaries of traditional drawing through his unique subtractive method.