Moldavite (2020) draws inspiration from the celestial movements of cosmic bodies and the immense forces that shape our universe. Around 15 million years ago, a meteorite impact in what is now southern Germany (Nördlinger Ries Crater) gave birth to Moldavite (Czech: vltavín)—a rare, translucent green tektite. Formed through the fusion of terrestrial and extraterrestrial matter, this enigmatic gemstone carries the echoes of cosmic collisions and the mysteries of deep time. In Tan Mu’s painting, the dark background accentuates the vibrant green hues and intricate patterns at the center—its fingerprint-like textures mirroring the unique identity of tektites as fragments of the cosmos, preserving the stories of celestial events across the vast river of time. As we contemplate the immensity of the universe, Moldavite serves as a profound reminder of our own smallness within the grand celestial expanse. It invites us to reflect on the interconnectedness of Earth's existence with the infinite unknown, bridging the ancient past with an ever-expanding future.

Q: Your work Moldavite (2020) depicts a meteorite known as the Czech Meteorite. Could you discuss why you chose this theme?

Tan Mu: This piece depicts a Czech meteorite (Moldavite), which is a part of my personal collection. I’ve always been fascinated by collecting stones, and the Czech meteorite, in particular, captivated me. This meteorite was the first Czech meteorite I acquired, making it especially meaningful to me. Moldavite formed about 15 million years ago when a meteorite struck Earth and created a shower of ejected rock. Its history is ancient, spanning from space to Earth, traveling through vast periods of time. The temporal and cosmic origins of this stone deeply moved me, which is why I chose to document it through painting.

Q: You mentioned that the theme of time is central to this piece. Could you elaborate on this?

Tan Mu: While Moldavite is often mentioned in religious and mythological contexts as having mystical powers and symbolism, I am more interested in its scientific and historical significance as an ancient meteorite. It is not only the product of a cosmic event but also a witness to Earth's history. In this work, Moldavite spans 15 million years, carrying with it an immense temporal weight. Holding this meteorite made me reflect on how it has witnessed the long history of Earth and the universe, making human history, technological advancements, and societal conflicts seem insignificant in comparison. This contrast in time deeply struck me, which is why I sought to capture this vast time span in the painting. The meteorite is like a time capsule, preserving ancient cosmic events in a small object. Through this piece, I hope to convey the complexity where science and myth intertwine, provoking viewers to contemplate time, the cosmos, and human existence.

Q: You mentioned that painting is a way to combat temporality. Could you expand on this idea?

Tan Mu: Temporality is a central theme in much of my work. For me, painting is a way to transform fleeting visual information into a tangible existence. In today’s world, visual information moves incredibly fast, but painting allows for a specific moment or object to be frozen on canvas, becoming an eternal record. Through painting, I try to fight the passage of time, anchoring important moments or objects within the artwork. When we look back at these works in the future, they can evoke memories of the past or spark new reflections. Whether capturing a fleeting change or an expansive span of time, painting offers me a unique way to record and express temporality. This piece marks one of my initial explorations of time and cosmic themes. It connects inherently with my later works, such as Silicon and Powehi. Whether depicting a meteorite, silicon, or black holes, I aim to use painting to record objects and phenomena that transcend time and space. These works form a continuing exploration of the cosmos, science, and human existence while reflecting my multidimensional thinking about temporality and spatiality.

Q: The use of a dark background and close-up composition in your work—what is the significance of this design choice?

Tan Mu: This piece is one of my earliest attempts to use a dark background and close-up composition. The dark background enhances the form and texture of the meteorite, creating a deep, mysterious atmosphere. The close-up composition allows me to highlight the fine details of the meteorite, especially the surface patterns, which are permanent traces left by the impact event. This design choice not only lets the viewer appreciate the beauty of the meteorite up close but also symbolizes the long history and cosmic story it carries.

(Excerpt from METAL MAGAZINE, September 2022)

Q: What interests you most, the past, the present or the future? Or is time an illusion and they all converge into a common reality? Tan Mu: I found the linear concept of time to be a bit unconvincing. As I become increasingly interested in what people hope for in the future at each stage of history, and as I become convinced that different scenarios of reality are being entered, I am becoming more convinced that we are entering these scenarios as we speak. A civilisation that cannot remember its past will not be able to progress. It is for this reason that museums are still around today. 2 years ago, I painted a tektite called Moldavite, a projectile rock formed as a result of a meteorite impact in southern Germany approximately 15 million years ago. My interest was piqued by an object that had been around for a long time. As I have become more aware of the vastness and diversity of the world, as well as my own limitations and narrowness, my practice has become more akin to an emotional gaze disguised as rationality. The latest state telescope has captured the oldest light from the universe, and now a thumb-sized chip can store billions of years’ worth of information from all libraries worldwide. Our civilisation is striving to break time’s definition in order to transmit information, which I consider to be the most poetic exploration of technology. It is fascinating to think about how art reflects the changes in our history. Over the course of history, humans have constantly wondered and achieved their goals. Faith and love are transmitted through art. Love, health, happiness, and companionship remain people’s basic needs in such an evolutionary context.