Peek (2021) is a painting that reimagines the first photograph ever taken from space. On October 24, 1946, the V-2 No. 13 rocket was launched from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, reaching an altitude of 65 miles. This rocket captured the Earth from space, marking the first time humanity glimpsed our planet against the vast, dark expanse of the cosmos. It took photographs every 1.5 seconds, at a speed five times faster than any previous camera. Peek (2021) pays homage to this historic image, which also serves as the genesis of Tan Mu's Horizon series—an exploration of Earth's satellite perspective. By recreating the hazy, black-and-white photograph, Tan Mu draws inspiration from the same sense of wonder, delving into the process of human activity and the ever-changing world. The work reflects on technology as an extension of the human body and the fundamental motivations behind what we seek to achieve.

Q: How does space photography as a medium influence your work, particularly in Peek?

Tan Mu: Space photography plays a fundamental role in my work, especially in Peek. It is remarkable that photography has become inseparable from space exploration itself. Today, astronauts aboard the International Space Station are trained not only as scientists but also as image makers, tasked with documenting Earth from orbit. These images reveal far more than distant planets or abstract beauty. They expose meteorological systems, ice formations, coastlines, and geological structures, offering a perspective that fundamentally alters how we understand our own planet.

For me, space photography operates at the intersection of science and visual culture. It transforms observation into knowledge while simultaneously producing a powerful emotional response. These images allow us to see Earth as a fragile, interconnected system, shifting our perception from a ground level experience to a planetary consciousness. Peek draws directly from this visual language, treating space photography not simply as documentation but as a way of rethinking humanity’s position within the cosmos.

Q: How does Peek reflect the relationship between technology and human perception?

Tan Mu: Peek is rooted in the idea of technology as an extension of the human eye. The first space photographs were only possible through advancements in rockets and camera systems, allowing humans to see their own planet from an entirely new vantage point. This technological expansion of vision did more than record an image. It transformed how we perceive ourselves and our environment.

In Peek, I explore this moment of perceptual shift. Technology does not merely enhance clarity. It reshapes meaning. By enabling us to see beyond the limits of our physical bodies, it changes how we interpret scale, distance, and existence itself. The painting reflects on the deeper motivation behind these advancements, the human desire to look further, to understand more, and to situate ourselves within a larger framework of space and time.

Q: How does Peek connect to the broader themes of your Horizon series and works such as Embryo (2022)?

Tan Mu: Peek serves as the origin point of my Horizon series, which investigates Earth from a satellite perspective and examines how technology mediates vision. This approach is mirrored in Embryo (2022), where the microscope becomes the technological extension that allows us to witness the beginnings of life. Although these works operate at opposite scales, one planetary and one cellular, they are conceptually aligned.

Both works explore how technology expands human perception into realms that were previously inaccessible. Microscopes reveal cells, DNA, and atomic structures. Satellites and telescopes reveal landscapes beyond the horizon and the edges of the observable universe. Together, these tools collapse the distance between the microscopic and the cosmic. Through this dialogue, my work reflects on how technology redefines our understanding of life, existence, and our place within the vast systems that surround us.

Q: How does the satellite perspective in Peek contribute to the sense of tranquility and introspection in your work?

Tan Mu: The satellite perspective introduces a necessary distance. When Earth is viewed from above, it is removed from immediacy, conflict, and daily urgency. This distance allows for reflection. In Peek, the elevated viewpoint creates a quiet, meditative space where the viewer is encouraged to slow down and observe rather than react.

The restrained black and white palette reinforces this contemplative atmosphere. Without the distraction of color, attention shifts to form, texture, and atmosphere. The image becomes less about geography and more about perception itself. This perspective reminds us that stepping back often reveals patterns and connections that remain invisible at ground level. Through Peek, I invite viewers to experience this moment of pause, where technology opens not only our eyes but also our capacity for reflection.