The rise of quantum computing signals a paradigm shift in technology, transcending mere utility to embody an intricate structural elegance—one that mirrors the fundamental principles of the quantum realm. Governed by superposition and entanglement, this complex apparatus represents the pinnacle of computational advancement, capable of solving problems once thought insurmountable. From molecular simulations to large-scale optimization, quantum computing redefines the limits of human ingenuity. In Quantum Gaze (2023), the boundaries between the tangible and the abstract dissolve, reflecting the paradoxical nature of quantum mechanics, where particles exist in multiple states simultaneously. The painting transforms the rigid structure of a quantum processor into an ethereal vision, echoing the uncertainty and fluidity inherent in both quantum states and our evolving relationship with artificial intelligence. As we stand on the brink of an era shaped by quantum computation, this work invites contemplation—of the unknown, of possibility, of uncertainty and of the intricate fusion between human cognition and machine intelligence.

Q: What sparked your interest in quantum computers?

Tan Mu:My interest in quantum computers developed gradually through my broader research into advanced technologies. I first painted a quantum computer in 2020 with Quantum Computer, which focused on the machine as an external object. Quantum Gaze continues that investigation but shifts inward, concentrating on the internal structure of the system.

Around 2019, quantum computing was widely regarded as one of the most advanced technological frontiers. The release of IBM Q System One was a turning point. It was one of the first moments when quantum computing moved from theory into a visible, almost monumental form. That moment felt historic to me. It represented a breakthrough in human thinking and technological ambition, and I wanted to record it through painting.

When I finished the earlier work, I realized I had approached it the same way I would approach a portrait. That idea stayed with me. I began to see quantum computers not just as machines, but as reflections of how humans externalize intelligence, memory, and cognition. In that sense, these paintings are not only about technology. They are also about how we understand ourselves and the unknown.

Q: How do breakthroughs in quantum computing change the way you think about human cognition and the future, and how does this relate to your work?

Tan Mu:Quantum computing challenges the foundations of how we understand logic and knowledge. Classical computers operate through binary states, while quantum computers rely on qubits that can exist in multiple states at once. Through superposition and entanglement, information behaves in ways that are fundamentally probabilistic rather than deterministic.

This shift has enormous implications. Quantum computing is already influencing fields such as chemistry, pharmaceuticals, finance, and artificial intelligence. More importantly, it expands the boundaries of what humans can think through and solve. Problems that once felt unreachable are now becoming imaginable.

In Quantum Gaze, I wanted to respond to this expansion of cognition visually. Quantum computing is built on uncertainty, and that uncertainty feels closely tied to creativity. When viewers look at this work, I hope they are not only observing a technological object, but also reflecting on their own way of seeing and thinking. The painting asks quiet questions. How do we understand reality. How do we face the future. What is the role of humans as intelligence becomes increasingly externalized. Art and technology, for me, are not opposites. They push each other forward.

Q: In Quantum Gaze, how did you translate the complexity of quantum computing into a visual language?

Tan Mu:I approached Quantum Gaze by focusing on ambiguity and perception. Quantum computing is defined by uncertainty, superposition, and entanglement, so I wanted the image to feel fluid rather than mechanical. Instead of emphasizing rigid structure, I worked with shifting light, soft boundaries, and layered forms.

I used warm golden and orange tones to depict the internal components, such as superconducting circuits and cooling systems. These elements appear suspended in darkness, somewhere between material reality and imagination. Depending on how you look at the painting, it can feel stable or unstable, concrete or elusive.

This approach is partly inspired by the observer effect in quantum physics. Observation changes the system. In the same way, the painting changes depending on the viewer’s attention and perspective. Quantum Gaze is not meant to explain quantum computing. It is meant to create an experience that mirrors its uncertainty and invites contemplation.

Q: What was the biggest challenge in translating quantum computing into painting?

Tan Mu:My process always begins long before I touch the canvas. I need to fully understand how I will approach a painting before I start. With Quantum Gaze, this process took nearly three years. I repeatedly thought through the structure, scale, and composition, revising the concept many times.

By the time I began painting, I had already rehearsed the entire process in my mind. Every layer and color decision was planned in advance. This kind of control is essential for me. Only when the rational structure is fully resolved can I allow myself to work intuitively and emotionally.

That balance is important. Quantum computing is highly complex and precise, but painting requires sensitivity and openness. Bringing those two modes together was the core challenge and also the most rewarding part of the work.