The Dyson Sphere is a hypothetical megastructure that orbits a star, absorbing its energy output and providing virtually unlimited power to the civilizations within its system. Proposed by physicist Freeman Dyson in 1960 in response to the potential depletion of Earth's energy resources, the concept involves a network of solar panels or other energy-harvesting devices arranged around a star to capture its energy and sustain advanced civilizations. While the construction of a Dyson Sphere remains theoretical—requiring resources and technological advances far beyond our current capabilities—it represents humanity's ultimate vision for harnessing energy. Tan Mu's work Dyson Sphere (2023) explores the intersection of human creativity, technology, and boundless potential. Through this artistic representation, the piece imagines the transformative impact a Dyson Sphere could have: liberation from Earth’s constraints, ushering in a new era of interstellar exploration, and unlocking humanity’s aspirations for cosmic expansion.

Q: How does Dyson Sphere reflect your ongoing exploration of energy, and how has your approach to this theme evolved in your works?

Tan Mu: In my work, I document key moments in the evolution of energy, from light bulbs and nuclear power to solar energy and speculative scientific concepts. Through these depictions of milestones, I emphasize the interconnectedness between energy, technological transformation, and the development of computational power, while also reflecting the political and cultural implications behind these shifts. Although the Dyson Sphere is purely a theoretical idea—requiring resources and technological advancements that are nearly beyond our comprehension, far beyond our current capabilities—this concept embodies humanity's quest to surpass the limits of our existing civilization. I have always been intrigued by the sense of wonder that such scientific concepts inspire, much like my paintings of the Stanford Torus, which reflect our aspirations for space exploration. My exploration of energy spans from historical developments to current advancements and even speculative scientific ideas, illustrating the ongoing process of discovery and the intellectual breakthroughs that fuel it. Dyson Sphere captures this continued search for knowledge and progress, highlighting both the ambition and the wonder that accompany humanity’s pursuit of energy solutions.

Q: In your view, what is the relationship between the development of energy and computational power?

Tan Mu: In my work, the development of energy is closely linked to the advancement of computational power. As society’s demand for faster and more efficient technologies grows, so does the demand for energy. Computers, quantum computers, and data centers all require vast amounts of energy. Technological progress not only drives the expansion of computational capabilities but also leads to significant transformations in energy systems. In works such as Illuminate (2022), Solar Farm (2022), Bikini Atoll (2020), TRINITY TESTING (2020), and Dyson Sphere (2023), I explore humanity's ongoing search for new energy solutions and the profound impact these advancements have on our world. They subtly address the mechanisms behind the crises we face today, particularly concerning energy consumption and the environment. These works also raise an important question: who decides how to control these energy sources in contemporary society? They highlight that technologies which seemingly improve our lives often come with hidden, far-reaching consequences. At the same time, the development of energy is intrinsically linked to the environment. For example, works like Solar Farm illustrate how energy advancements reshape the landscapes around us—from land to sea to sky.

Q: In Dyson Sphere, how do you use visual language to present such a vast and abstract science fiction concept?

Tan Mu: In Dyson Sphere, I employed a rich palette of golden hues to depict the energy collection panels floating in space, orbiting a star. The flowing golden gradients represent the dynamic processes of light being reflected and absorbed. While imagining its structure in the studio, I struggled with the issue of scale: each energy sail would need to be unimaginably large in reality to form a complete ring around the star. The rotating posture of the sails serves as a metaphor for the process of energy transformation, with the layering of brushstrokes symbolizing energy being captured and stored layer by layer. This painting also marks my first attempt at using dense points to represent the starry sky in a large-scale work. While painting, I felt like I was balancing two opposing forces: the rational logic of science fiction and the emotional flow of energy. Perhaps it is this tension that causes the piece to transcend a purely technical depiction, infusing the work with a sense of wonder.

Q: You mentioned that this painting is your first attempt at depicting the starry sky. What symbolism and significance does the starry sky hold in your subsequent works?

Tan Mu: Dyson Sphere was indeed my first true exploration of depicting the starry sky. In my later works, like the Horizon series, particularly Horizon 05(2024), the starry sky evolves from being just a backdrop into a symbol of infinite possibilities and humanity’s relentless pursuit to transcend its earthly limitations. These works are inspired by imagery from the International Space Station and live satellite feeds, offering a transformative perspective on both humanity and the planet. In Horizon, the night sky serves as a higher vantage point, elevating the viewer's perspective.

In the Signal series, exemplified by Signal: Submarine Networks 01 (2024), the starry sky takes on a more intricate role. It merges with the depths of the ocean to create a "digital constellation," symbolizing the invisible pathways of data that connect supercities across the globe. Here, the stars represent not only the vastness of the cosmos but also the vastness of collective human knowledge and emotions transmitted through submarine cables.

Points resembling a starry sky also appear in my works about the microscopic world, such as Epithelial Cells (2024) and Chromosomes (2022), where the background features a similar depiction of a starry sky. However, it actually represents the transmission and flow of microscopic informational substances. Through the portrayal of the starry sky, my works draw a parallel between the microscopic and the macroscopic worlds, highlighting their similarities. The starry sky evolves into a multifaceted symbol: it reflects the vastness of the cosmos, human ambition, global interconnectedness, the flow of knowledge and emotions, and even the possibilities of connection and disconnection in our increasingly technology-driven world.