Scientific Exploration

Large Hadron Collider, 2023
Oil on linen
153 × 183 cm (60 × 72 in)
The Large Hadron Collider stands as an emblem of humanity's unquenchable thirst for knowledge and understanding. Beyond its utilitarian purpose, it embodies an aesthetic magnificence that transcends the realm of science and engineering. This colossal machine, with its intricate network of tunnels and detectors, is a mechanical marvel of our era, a testament to human ingenuity and collaborative effort on an unprecedented scale. Yet, amidst its grandeur, the true profundity of the Collider lies in its quest to explore the tiniest fragments of reality, those fundamental particles that underpin the very essence of our universe. It is a paradox—a symbol of both complexity and simplicity—crafted to unravel the universe's most profound mysteries and reveal the basic building blocks of existence. In its ambition, the Collider invites us to contemplate the vastness of the cosmos and the limitless potential of human endeavor.

The Wave, 2023
Oil on linen
193 x 244 cm (76 x 96 in)
"The Wave" series intricately explores the mechanics and profound implications of propeller technology. Through her artistic portrayal, the artist delves into the intricate and often unseen forces that propel modern machinery forward. This fascination with technology invites viewers to contemplate the complex interplay between human ingenuity and the natural world's forces.
In her detailed oil paintings, the artist captures the essence of the propeller, emphasizing its role as a technological marvel crucial to maritime transportation and global trade. Beyond mere functionality, these artworks prompt us to reflect on the broader implications of such advancements. They encourage us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world, acknowledging how technological progress shapes and influences our interactions with marine environments and ecosystems.
"The Wave" series serves as a visual exploration of innovation and its impact, urging us to appreciate both the beauty and the consequences of technological evolution in our interconnected world.

The Wave 03, 2024
Oil on linen
51 x 77 cm (20 x 30 in)
"The Wave" series intricately explores the mechanics and profound implications of propeller technology. Through her artistic portrayal, the artist delves into the intricate and often unseen forces that propel modern machinery forward. This fascination with technology invites viewers to contemplate the complex interplay between human ingenuity and the natural world's forces.
In her detailed oil paintings, the artist captures the essence of the propeller, emphasizing its role as a technological marvel crucial to maritime transportation and global trade. Beyond mere functionality, these artworks prompt us to reflect on the broader implications of such advancements. They encourage us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world, acknowledging how technological progress shapes and influences our interactions with marine environments and ecosystems.
"The Wave" series serves as a visual exploration of innovation and its impact, urging us to appreciate both the beauty and the consequences of technological evolution in our interconnected world.

Dolly, 2021
Oil on linen
61 x 45.7 cm (24 x 18 in)
Dolly (2021) engages with the groundbreaking scientific achievement of cloning, inspired by the iconic case of Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal, born in 1996. Through this piece, Tan Mu delves into the intricate interplay between biology and technology, where Dolly’s existence as a genetic replica of another ewe prompts profound questions about identity, individuality, and the essence of life itself. In her visual interpretation, Tan Mu extends the discourse on cloning beyond its biological framework, inviting viewers to contemplate the philosophical and ethical dimensions of replication and the redefinition of life. The painting captures the tension between natural processes and human-engineered intervention, evoking themes of ethics, identity, and the future possibilities of genetic manipulation in humans. As humanity stands on the brink of unprecedented genetic frontiers, Dolly serves as a poignant meditation on the evolving roles of science, technology, and humanity in a world increasingly shaped by engineered possibilities.

Vaccine, 2021
Oil on linen
36 x 28 cm (14 x 11 in)
"Vaccine" delves into the significance of the COVID-19 vaccine, symbolizing hope and scientific achievement during a global pandemic. The painting captures the essence of the vaccine vial, portraying its glass contours and the gleam of its contents. Through this portrayal, the artist invites viewers to reflect on the profound impact of medical innovation on society, highlighting the intersection of science, health, and collective resilience. "Vaccine" serves as a visual testament to the power of human endeavor and collaboration in overcoming global challenges, encouraging contemplation on the transformative role of vaccines in shaping our future.