Illuminate(2022) depicts the first public demonstration of the light bulb, commemorating Thomas Edison’s most iconic invention—the first practical incandescent lamp. On New Year's Eve in 1879, Edison unveiled his groundbreaking invention at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey, marking a pivotal moment in the energy revolution and the dawn of the electrical age. When an electric current passes through the metal filament, it heats up to an intense temperature until it emits light, illuminating the darkness. Tan Mu’s work focuses on the portrayal of the light bulb, using subtle structural and color treatments to imbue the object with warmth and a sense of historical significance. In the painting, the light bulb is more than just a symbol of invention—it becomes a representation of energy, innovation, and the passage of time. It serves as a reminder that electric light not only brightened the night but also propelled human civilization forward, and its glow continues to illuminate our world, powering the future.

Q: Your work, Illuminate (2022), is centered around Edison’s carbon filament light bulb. Could you share the inspiration behind this piece?

Tan Mu: The inspiration for this work comes from Thomas Edison’s carbon filament light bulb, which he first publicly demonstrated in 1879. This invention revolutionized human life, making artificial light widely accessible. As I painted, I reflected on the process of the bulb emitting light, which reminded me of cell division—a subject I had explored in previous works. While the bulb itself is entirely man-made, the way it generates light evoked associations with the origins of life, beginning with a single, round cell that divides and multiplies. This connection between artificial illumination and natural life intrigued me deeply.

Q: How did you approach depicting the form of the light bulb and the concept of light in your work?

Tan Mu: In terms of composition, Illuminate bears some resemblance to IVF (2020), a piece that portrays the moment of artificial insemination in a laboratory, with a needle injecting into an egg—a portrait of human intervention in life. While the light bulb is a fully artificial object, made of blown glass and containing a filament, it carries a similar sense of initiation. Rather than depicting the bulb as a source of glowing light, I chose to render it in a portrait-like manner, capturing its form and texture in detail. This approach shifts the focus onto the bulb itself, emphasizing the idea of artificial light and its significance in human history.

Q: You mentioned the importance of light in painting. Could you elaborate on that?

Tan Mu: Light has always been a fundamental element in painting, from depictions of divine light in religious art to natural light, candlelight, and, more recently, artificial illumination. In this piece, I explore how artificial light has evolved and shaped human culture. The invention of the electric light marked a turning point in our relationship with illumination—humanity gained unprecedented control over light, signifying a new era of technological advancement. My interest in energy extends beyond the light bulb to broader developments, from solar farms and nuclear energy to speculative concepts like Dyson spheres. These paintings trace humanity’s ongoing pursuit of energy solutions, technological progress, and visions of the future.

Q: Could you discuss the role of energy development in your work?

Tan Mu: My work examines the evolution of energy and its intricate relationship with computing power and the environment. As society demands faster and more efficient technologies, energy consumption escalates accordingly. This progression has not only driven advancements in computational capacity but has also transformed the global energy landscape. Through painting, I explore diverse energy sources—from electricity to renewables like wind, solar, and nuclear power, and even speculative constructs like the Dyson sphere—shedding light on humanity’s relentless search for sustainable solutions. Subtly, my work also alludes to the crises intertwined with energy and privacy in contemporary society. The very technologies that enhance our lives often come with hidden environmental costs. Energy development is deeply intertwined with the environment, shaping our world from the land to the sea and even into space. In my artistic practice, I use visual language to examine how these energy forms influence our surroundings and our future. Through these works, I hope to prompt viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of energy, technology, and ecology—and to consider how we might balance progress with our planet’s well-being.