Digital computers operate on the simple principle of manipulating on and off signals to perform logic functions. Over time, various methods have been used to generate these signals, including mechanical devices, electromagnetic relays, vacuum tubes, transistors, and integrated circuits. In September 1960, Isy Haas and Lionel Kattner introduced the first production version of the Micrologic "F" element flip-flop planar IC. The advent of integrated circuits replaced transistors, significantly reducing the size of computers and marking an evolution that brought about dramatic improvements in speed, cost efficiency, and everyday usage.

Logic Circuit (2022) is a painting that depicts this breakthrough, celebrating a key moment in technological development. The composition is centered around a prominent circle, with irregular blue edges that sharply contrast with the precise lines and shapes within. The mottled black and blue lead us to the deep channels etched into the back of a silicon wafer after corrosion, filled with non-conductive epoxy resin. The tension between order and irregularity enhances the visual appeal, creating an engaging experience. Through Logic Circuit, Tan Mu blends technological aesthetics with artistic expression, exploring the transformation of materials and technology, and their connection to humanity's progress.

Q: How does the physicality of precise lines and silicon wafer etching influence your representation of these materials in the artwork?

Tan Mu: I am deeply fascinated by the connection between art and technology through these materials. Chips are essential for creating the "on and off" switches in logical circuits. Through painting, my intention extends beyond documenting technological and material milestones; I strive to reveal the striking parallels between their physical properties and the intricate internal structures of our brains. For instance, in works like MRI (2021) and Synapse (2023), I explore how neurons form connections through synapses, akin to chips that transmit information via switches. The softened edges and darkened spots on worn and eroded chips evoke an organic quality, reminiscent of anatomical brain imagery. My work underscores this shared essence, demonstrating how the physical patterns and characteristics of these materials echo the switching mechanisms inherent in both biological and technological systems. This connection emphasizes their pivotal roles in the processes of information transmission, programming, and memory, bridging the material and the cerebral in a unified narrative.

Q: The transformation of technology from bulky machines to small, efficient components has radically changed our lives. How has this evolution influenced the way we interact with technology?

Tan Mu: The evolution of technology is not just about smaller and more efficient components; it’s about the exponential growth of computational power. These advancements have not only enhanced efficiency but also accelerated humanity’s ability to achieve faster and stronger objectives. Just as our brains process signals through complex networks of synapses, technology mirrors this with data centers, fiber optics, and logic circuits. This continuous development of computational power drives human progress, enabling us to interact with technology in more intimate and seamless ways, reflecting the interconnectedness of biological and digital systems.

Q: What is the symbolic meaning of the prominent circle in your painting? Does it represent the logic of technology or something broader?

Tan Mu: The circular structure in my painting represents the overarching connections between different systems that I explore. It serves as both a symbolic and functional element, bridging the abstract and the concrete. Its form mirrors the brain's structure while functioning like synapses, switching and transmitting information. On one hand, I am particularly drawn to circular and topological structures; in my work, they resonate with Eastern philosophy, reflecting a cycle of energy. On the other hand, they embody the fundamental patterns of energy flow in the universe and its mathematical foundation. Through this energy, I experience the eternal and infinite aspects of nature. This "nature-based" aesthetic is also mirrored in physical devices and technologies, functioning as a bridge between the tangible (neural networks, logic circuits) and the intangible (data, memory). It underscores a deeper connection between human consciousness and technological progress.