Emergence 02 (2024) illuminates the neural structure of the brain with vibrant yellows and blues, evoking the scattering of galaxies across the cosmos. Radiating outward, the composition forms a chaotic yet interconnected web of neural pathways, mirroring the cosmic patterns of dark matter. By juxtaposing the brain’s microcosm with the universe’s macrocosm, the painting reveals an underlying order within apparent disorder, inviting reflection on their profound connections. Inspired by holographic theory and Hindu mythology, Tan Mu envisions the universe as a vast hologram, where the whole is reflected in both collective and individual parts. Could the human brain, with its intricate neural network and capacity for knowledge, embody a microcosm of the cosmos itself? This question drives a deeper exploration of the parallels between the brain’s architecture and the universe’s hidden patterns. With its one hundred billion neurons and one hundred trillion connections, Emergence magnifies this miniature universe within the human body. As dark matter and the essence of life remain enigmatic, the painting bridges the physical and metaphysical, offering a portal to explore the unknown depths of both the universe and the self.

Q: What inspired your interest in the neural structure of the brain?

Tan Mu: This interest originated from a personal experience of brain hypoxia during a deep dive, which impaired my memory. My traumatic experiences further exacerbated some disconnections in my recollection. These events led me to focus on memory and the brain, inspiring the creation of MRI (2021). In Emergence, I explored neurons as the fundamental units of communication within the brain’s vast network, responsible for processing information, controlling actions, and forming thoughts and memories. Neurons are the basic units of our nervous system, uniquely structured to receive, process, and transmit signals throughout the body. This reflects how the brain, composed of billions of interconnected neurons, functions as a complex organ—a highly efficient computer.

Q: The human brain is like a highly efficient computer. How do you see this analogy, especially in light of advancements in technology?

Tan Mu: My work explores the intersection of biological and technological systems, delving into the parallels between the brain and technology, particularly through the concept of "fabric of memory." I compare internal and external memory: internal memory relates to the body’s ability to store and transmit information, such as in the brain and neurons, while external memory encompasses systems that store and transmit human knowledge and collective memory, like data centers and undersea fiber-optic cables.

In Synaptic(2023), I draw a comparison between synaptic connections in the brain and logic circuits in computers. Both rely on an "on-and-off" switch mechanism to determine the flow of information. This mirrors the way logic circuits manage data flow and the brain's neural networks function similarly to global undersea cable networks, connected through nodes, lines, and networks. The analogy of the brain as a highly efficient computer is also reflected in how a motherboard mimics the brain's structure and function. Motherboards are designed with functional points, like chips and circuits, to control electrical currents, paralleling the synaptic connections in the brain.

Works such as MRI (2021), Memory (2019), Emergence (2022), Emergence2,3 (2024), Logic Circuit (2022), the Signal series, and Synaptic (2023) bring an emotional perspective to this convergence of technology, materiality, and humanity. Together, they form a continuous discussion on "fabric of memory," as well as the themes of connection and disconnection that resonate in both biological and technological realms.

Q: Do you see parallels between the human brain and the evolving capabilities of artificial intelligence?

Tan Mu: I’ve always intuitively felt a profound connection between the human brain and the evolving capabilities of artificial intelligence. This intuition was further validated when I came across the research paper The Geometry of Concepts: Sparse Autoencoder Feature Structure. I was fascinated by how this study scientifically bridges the aspects I’ve been exploring.

The paper describes how large language models (LLMs) process cognition, comparing it to specific regions of the human brain that specialize in tasks such as image recognition or logical analysis. It highlights how LLMs use a “universe of concepts” to construct knowledge. This “universe of concepts forms a point cloud structure, reflecting how knowledge is externalized and distributed within a multidimensional framework. Remarkably, this structure mirrors patterns found in the human brain, the atomic world, and the organization of galaxies at different scales (micro, meso, and macro), unveiling a hidden structure that interconnects these realms. This hidden structure is precisely what my paintings seek to depict. From Atom (2020) to MRI (2021) and Gaze: Observable Infinity (2024), my work intuitively and visually explores the connections between atoms, the human brain, and the universe of concepts. I’ve come to realize that the mathematical models underlying these themes align with the structures I portray, providing a deeper layer to the ongoing dialogue in my art.

Q: The vibrant blue and yellow tones in Emergence are striking. Do these colors hold specific symbolic meanings for you when representing neural communication?

Tan Mu: I use contrasting colors to depict the process of neural communication. The striking blue tones represent neurons, with their axons and dendrites extending outward to form intricate connections, illustrating the complexity of the human nervous system. Surrounding the neurons are countless glowing particles, symbolizing the dynamic activity of neural signals, creating a visually captivating representation of brain function. These colors not only enhance our understanding of neural processes but also emphasize the aesthetic beauty of scientific art.

Neurons resemble a massive tree with its branches, visually representing the interconnectedness of information. They also evoke images of glowing marine creatures or galaxies in the universe, illustrating the parallels between biological and cosmic mysteries. This imagery invites viewers to reflect on the intricate networks within our brains while drawing connections to the vast, unseen systems that define both life and the cosmos. It sparks a sense of wonder, encouraging the audience to imagine the profound interplay between the microcosm of our biology and the macrocosm of the universe.