A mural by FLOX, 2025
UWCSEA Middle School, Singapore
I feel incredibly lucky to be back in Singapore and to have been commissioned to paint this mural for the UWCSEA Middle School community. Transforming this once-drab wall into something uplifting and full of colour has been a real joy — especially knowing it will become part of the everyday environment for the students who walk past it.
At the heart of the mural is a Blue Phoenix, my own interpretation of the UWCSEA emblem. For me, the Phoenix represents resilience, possibility, and that powerful moment of transformation we all go through while learning and growing. Painting it here felt like a way to mirror the journey these young people are on — discovering who they are and what they can become.
The Phoenix is surrounded by Vanda Miss Joaquim orchids, Singapore’s national flower. I love the way this bloom reflects the country’s rich cultural tapestry and its drive for innovation. The Traveller’s Palm spreads out behind the bird like a horizon, and a group of flying kingfishers move through the scene, reminding us to stay curious, bold and ready to take flight.
I’ve worked with a rich palette, weaving in the school’s navy and teal tones to anchor the composition and connect it directly back to UWCSEA's identity. My hope is that the mural feels both familiar and new — a celebration of nature, colour and imagination that can spark a moment of inspiration during a busy school day.
Being able to share my work here, with this community, is something I’m truly grateful for. I hope the mural brings a sense of joy and possibility to everyone who sees it — and reminds each student that they already have their own Phoenix rising within them.