Computational power stands as the cornerstone of modern societal, technological, and economic transformation. The rapid evolution of quantum computing is reshaping humanity’s understanding of cognition and the future, marking a new frontier in our relationship with information and computation. Quantum Computer (2020) captures a defining moment in this trajectory—the launch of the world’s first commercial quantum computer by IBM. With processing capabilities billions of times faster than contemporary supercomputers, quantum computing represents a paradigm shift, pushing the boundaries of human and technological potential. In this work, a sleek blue cylindrical form is encased within a space framed by tinted glass, rendered with a hyperrealistic aesthetic that evokes both a sci-fi portrait and a time capsule—preserving a groundbreaking moment in the ever-advancing landscape of computational power. Tan Mu not only explores the essence of this transformative innovation but also invites contemplation on its broader implications for humanity’s trajectory. More than a depiction of a machine, Quantum Computer is a meditation on the profound ways in which technology reshapes our perception of the world and ourselves.

Q: What sparked your interest in quantum computers?

Tan Mu: I have long been captivated by quantum computers, especially since 2019, when they were hailed as one of the most groundbreaking technological achievements. The debut of IBM’s Q System One marked a pivotal moment in the commercialization of quantum computing, embodying the forefront of human ingenuity and expanding the limits of what technology could achieve at the time. It represented the culmination of intellectual breakthroughs and technological triumphs. It was this sense of transformative innovation that inspired me to create this painting, capturing the historic significance of that moment. Later, in 2023, my continued fascination with quantum computers led me to explore their inner workings, revealing their structure in the painting Quantum Gaze. For me, Quantum Computer is one of the most important works I’ve created, akin to a self-portrait—it reflects my journey as an artist. This piece is not just a depiction of a machine, but also a philosophical exploration of humanity’s quest to understand itself, reality, and the unknown. It stands as a reflection of a time when quantum computing symbolized both human potential and technological progress. It invites viewers to contemplate the intersection of technology and humanity, and how these advancements challenge and reshape our perceptions of the world and of ourselves.

Q: You describe the quantum computer as a portrait rather than a still life. What is your reasoning behind this perspective?

Tan Mu: When I completed this painting, I felt an intense connection to the idea that it was, in fact, a “portrait.” This realization was pivotal, as it shifted the way I approached the work—not as a still life or an abstract representation, but as a deeply human reflection. It is a self-portrait that reflects my ongoing awe and fascination with physical mechanics, technological advancements, and the very essence of humanity. In many ways, Quantum Computer is both a portrait of the era we live in and a portrait of humanity.

In my past work, I’ve explored themes like cells, the brain, and the idea of “humans as machines.” These explorations are central to understanding why Quantum Computer feels like a portrait. It represents the intersection of the human and the technological—where the physical device, with its intricate design, mirrors the human body and the technological logic driving the computer parallels human thought, memory, and consciousness. If we view the mind as housed within the physical body, it resembles the transformation between hardware and software in a quantum computer. Both are complex systems of processing, interpreting, and evolving. This layered complexity makes the quantum computer not just a tool but a reflection of the mind itself. At the same time, the quantum computer symbolizes our mind at its cutting edge, pushing the boundaries of our physical limitations and extending our computational abilities. In this sense, it becomes a microcosm of our own journey, allowing me to explore the blurred lines between the organic and the mechanical, the mind and the material world, ultimately offering a new perspective on the nature of being.

Q: What inspired your choice of composition and color palette for this piece?

Tan Mu: For this painting, my choice of composition and color palette was heavily inspired by the sleek, metallic appearance of quantum computers like the IBM Quantum System, which often resemble sophisticated, almost otherworldly machines suspended in space. In this work, I aimed to visually amplify this mechanical beauty. The use of deep, cool blues and reflective silvers emphasizes the metallic, almost ethereal nature of the quantum computer, while the minimalistic black background creates a sense of isolation and focus, much like how these machines stand apart as symbols of advanced human achievement. The composition, with its reflective surfaces and sharp lines, mirrors the abstract nature of the quantum world—where visible boundaries blur and the material and immaterial coexist. The painting’s color palette, dominated by dark tones with hints of vibrant blue, serves not only to emphasize the machine's form but also to evoke the sense of mystery and the unknown, echoing the endless potential of quantum computing and its deep connection to humanity’s quest for understanding.

Q: Your painting captures a pivotal moment in technological history, encompassing advancements in computing power, energy, and information systems. How do you explore the relationships between these elements in your work?

Tan Mu: In my work, I delve into the significant breakthroughs in computational power, both in terms of the physical technologies behind computing and the software innovations that drive them. These breakthroughs are intricately linked to energy consumption and the relationship between energy and the environment, all of which contribute to a deeply interconnected system of development.

The material breakthroughs in technology—such as the chips and circuits(Logic Circuit, 2022; Mapping, 2021) controlling electrical currents in computers, or the silicon(Silicon, 2021, 2023) used in chip technology—have fostered a new order of computing, advancing computational power. This progress has profoundly influenced not only the development of the internet but also the physical infrastructure of modern computing, from the DEC PDP-10 and Blue Box I have painted to the modern microcomputers and quantum computers we see today. These advances, however, are inextricably linked to a rising demand for energy. As society pushes for faster, more powerful, and more efficient technologies, this inevitably leads to higher energy demands. These needs are being met by renewable sources such as wind, solar, and nuclear energy, which have become central to sustaining these developments. For instance, the vast energy required for quantum computing(Quantum Computer, 2020; Quantum Gaze, 2023) and the controlled environments in data centers(Memory, 2019)—such as the cooling processes—illustrate the direct relationship between computation and energy. At the same time, these technological and energy advancements are reshaping our environment and landscapes. Solar farms(Solar Farm, 2022) are replacing former farmlands, and wind turbines are altering the visual terrain of both oceans and mountains.

These interrelated themes are not separate in my work; they collectively shape the contemporary landscape, making my paintings a visual timestamp—a record of our time. Quantum Computer, in this sense, serves as a time capsule. It captures a moment of technological and intellectual development while also anticipating how future generations might interpret the past.