When visitors step into the reception corridor of BlackRock’s Singapore office, their attention is immediately drawn to Weaving Stories of Tomorrow (2025), a site-specific mural by Singaporean illustrator and painter Ben Qwek of Lab Six Five. Executed in acrylic on canvas with three-dimensional wooden lettering, the work brings a dynamic cultural narrative into the built environment, capturing Singapore’s unique balance between history and progress.
Ben Qwek, “Weaving Stories of Tomorrow” (2025)
Anchored by vivid imagery—a figure engaged in traditional weaving, a sailing vessel set against a radiant horizon, and layered botanical and Peranakan-inspired motifs—the mural rewards both first impressions and repeat viewings. Rendered in bold colors and crisp outlines, the composition creates a visual rhythm that guides employees and visitors deeper into the office. The sculptural wood letters, integrated as a nod to the company, anchor the mural within its environment and add dimensional movement along the corridor.
“The reception area had good lighting and rustic laminate finishes that inspired me to add flora and fauna into the piece,” Qwek explains. “It was important for the work to complement the space rather than shout for attention. I wanted it to be seamless within the office environment.”
Recognized for moving fluidly between digital media, murals, and traditional painting, Qwek and his small art and design studio called Lab Six Five, describes his practice as a balance between precision and human touch. “I was trained in digital media design, but I also dabble in street art and painting,” he says. “I run a small art and design studio where we do murals for tech companies and ad campaigns for FMCG brands.”
Collaboration Across Borders
For Qwek, this project was as much about the process as the final outcome. When atp.art first reached out from New York with the commission, it felt different—an overseas client connecting with him in Singapore. “I was curious about how an international audience would look at the pieces I create,” he recalls. That curiosity quickly turned into excitement.
Working with a team based half a world away required coordination, but Qwek found the experience seamless. “It was a very hand-in-hand process. I created sketches, and atp.art would critique or give feedback. The brief was concise, the KPIs were clear, and it helped me refine the final piece,” he says.
Time zones were the biggest challenge, but trust and freedom were central to the collaboration. “They were professional and gave me a lot of freedom to do what I do best. The trust was there, which allowed me to focus on the work.”
From Concept to Canvas
Qwek’s process began with research notes and mind maps, expanding into concept sketches and color swatches for review. Once the direction was clear, he plotted the artwork digitally, even mapping it onto 3D renders so the client could visualize the mural in situ. “It’s a risk-averse way of working, but it reduces mistakes while still allowing hand-painted brushstrokes that add a human touch,” he says.
Ben Qwek, “Weaving Stories of Tomorrow” (2025)
The site itself played a role in shaping the work. “The reception area had good lighting and rustic laminate finishes that inspired me to add flora and fauna into the piece,” Qwek notes. “It was important for the work to complement the space rather than shout for attention. I wanted it to be seamless within the office environment.”
Weaving Culture Into Place
At the heart of the mural is the figure of the master weaver, his hands busy at work. Qwek approached the composition with a designer’s eye, creating focal points that guide the viewer across the mural. “The main focal point is the craftsman deeply focused on his work, which I felt symbolized the client well,” he says. From there, the eye travels toward the Chinese junk boat, Peranakan tiles, and other cultural signifiers.
“I wanted to explore cultural juxtapositions,” Qwek explains. “Being Singaporean, I tried to fuse Malay, Indian, and Chinese heritage into the piece. The overarching theme is ‘voyage’—transcending culture and time while also being visually appealing.”
The title, Weaving Stories of Tomorrow, captures this intent. “The keywords I wanted to capture were ‘voyage’ and ‘craft.’ Both ideas reflect the theme and symbolism of the piece,” he says.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
For Qwek, this commission stands out because it stretched beyond familiar ground. “Most of my clients are local or regional, so feedback can feel pigeonholed,” he reflects. “Working with atp.art in New York gave me a fresh perspective on how international audiences look at my work.”
Though his process often begins on a digital screen, the physical painting still matters most. “Even though it looks graphic, the brushstrokes give it a very human feel,” Qwek says. “It reflects my full range as an artist, from digital training to hand-painted execution.”
With Weaving Stories of Tomorrow, Ben Qwek has crafted a mural that honors heritage while inviting viewers to imagine what’s ahead—a voyage not only through culture but into the spaces where art, work, and daily life intersect.
Watch the Film
Commissioning Creativity in Singapore brings together four artists—Ben Qwek, Ripple Root, Ian Woo, and Tan Zi Xi—each reimagining a corporate space through bold, culturally rooted perspectives. This short film captures their process and the finished works, showing how art can reshape the way we experience a workplace.
Film by ATP.art Media Services. Presented by Artrepreneur.
