In collaboration with iMagination Week and to commemorate ESSEC APAC’s 20th anniversary in Singapore, ESSEC commissioned local mural artist Soph Ong (Wayward Clouds) to paint a mural for the ESSEC campus from 15 to 17 January 2025.

Soph Ong is a multidisciplinary abstract artist who explores shifts, abstractions, and textures across various mediums. Her creations often manipulate everyday materials and aim to forge a connection with viewers through their dynamic patterns and forms.

Despite the driving rain, the mural slowly but surely took shape over the week as Soph painted and interacted with curious students who stopped by to observe her work. These interactions, she shared, were among her favorite parts of the project, as students would ask thoughtful questions about her creative process and the meaning behind her art.

The mural’s completion was celebrated on 21 January, with Deputy Dean Reetika Gupta and iMagination Centre Director Xavier Pavie inaugurating the artwork.

Titled “Perhaps we’re on to something,” the mural blends human, land, and sea elements, celebrating creativity and our connection to the environment and the people around us. Veins, microscopic and macroscopic elements, and patterns drawn from the region’s flora and fauna evoke the intricate symbiosis between humans and nature.

The flowing forms and abstract designs reflect the diverse perspectives and disciplines within our diverse faculty, staff, and student bodies. The vibrant palette also celebrates ESSEC’s 20th anniversary and journey in Singapore.

Reflecting on the project, Soph shared that ESSEC had given her creative freedom, enabling her to create a piece she was proud of. “The flexibility has allowed me to create better work,” she said.

As ESSEC celebrates its 20th anniversary in Singapore, this mural stands as a colorful reminder of our achievements over the years and our vision of building a future shaped by creativity, responsibility, and collaboration.