The Mandelbrot set is celebrated for its aesthetic appeal and as a vivid example of complex structures arising from simple rules, making it a cornerstone of mathematical visualization. The Buddhabrot, derived from the Mandelbrot set, maps the probability distribution of trajectories escaping the fractal. From a central black figure, intricate branches and shapes radiate outward, yet the structure lacks a physical form. Zooming in reveals an infinite pattern of ever-smaller details, where all elements are interconnected but remain paradoxically elusive.

In an era of accelerating digitization, the Fractal series (2019) draws inspiration from the Mandelbrot set and Buddhabrot, contemplating the quiet beauty of transience—measured, humble, and introspective. These works explore the patterns and forms that underpin life’s origins, embodying the flow of energy and the universe’s mathematical foundations. By reflecting on the eternal and infinite nature of existence, the series invites a renewed appreciation for balance and harmony, offering a “nature-inspired” aesthetic that reconnects art with the essence of living.

Q: What inspired you to create the Fractal series?

Tan Mu: The Fractal series was inspired by my deep fascination with the Mandelbrot set and the Buddhabrot. The Mandelbrot set exemplifies how simple rules generate intricate structures, embodying mathematical beauty with profound aesthetic appeal. The Buddhabrot, with its trajectory distributions, intriguingly recalls the meditative posture and symbolic features of classical Buddha depictions, blending visual and philosophical allure.

In the Mandelbrot set, the black shape at its center seems to have a tangible boundary or surface. Yet, as we zoom in to find its limits, more intricate structures and spaces endlessly emerge. Each magnification is not merely an exploration of pre-existing elements but the creation of new images. Even with identical parameters, the outcome varies depending on the observer and the environment, making every experience unique. This paradoxical interplay of connection and elusiveness inspired my reflections on infinity and existence. Through the Fractal series, I aim to transform these mathematical and philosophical ideas into an artistic experience, inviting viewers to explore this world of paradox and beauty.

Q: Does this interest in mathematical and digital aesthetics reflect a particular perspective on art?

Tan Mu: In the Fractal series, I was inspired by the Mandelbrot set and Buddhabrot not only for their unique aesthetic value in mathematics and digital design but also for their demonstration of the potential of simple rules to generate complex structures. They embody the fractal model concept—where each smaller unit mirrors the larger whole, and shapes and structures extend infinitely in a recursive manner. This principle resonates deeply with how we perceive the universe: the microscopic perspectives of atoms or the brain correspond to the vastness of the cosmos. It reflects a vision of interconnectedness, where we, as parts of the universe, are inseparable from the greater whole.

This phenomenon led me to consider the essence of art—not merely as a sensory delight but as an exploration of the underlying principles governing our world. Digitization, as an accelerating trend, reshapes our sensory experiences, turning everything into coded information. Within this context, combining mathematics with visual art is not just a formal exploration but a meditation on humanity's role within the natural and technological realms. I view art as a tool for inquiry, one that intertwines emotion and reason to reveal deeper insights into the nature of existence.

Q: How are the ideas of “infinity” and “eternity” expressed in your visual language?

Tan Mu: The concepts of “infinity” and “eternity” are central to the recursive structures in the Fractal series. Each detail connects to the whole, while the whole infinitely reflects its parts, creating a cyclical dialogue between microcosm and macrocosm. This structural recursion is not just a visual motif but a philosophical expression of interconnectedness.

Inspired by the topology of circular forms—seen in the origins of life, such as embryos, bacteria, and chemical fission—I translate the fundamental energy flows of the universe into a meditative visual language. These patterns evoke nature’s permanence and boundlessness, contrasting with the fleeting, humble beauty of life’s transience. Through soft tones and dynamic compositions, I invite viewers to slow down, reflect, and engage with a contemplative state where time and space, individual and cosmos, converge.