Synapse (2023) explores the dynamic and intricate nature of synaptic transmission, where information flows between neurons through a complex interplay of chemicals and electrical signals. The painting captures this process with luminous hues of blue and yellow, symbolizing the vibrancy and energy of neuronal communication. Neurotransmission occurs between synaptic boutons and synaptic bodies, with neurotransmitters carrying signals that are then transmitted via electrical impulses to receiving neurons. This continuous flow forms neural networks, enabling brain functions such as thinking, perception, and memory. Unlike computers, which have limited computing power, the brain is highly adaptable and evolved to process complex information and recognize patterns. In this way, the brain functions like an efficient computer, using electrical signals for data transmission and synapses for information storage and processing. Tan Mu offers a visual interpretation of the brain's remarkable ability to simulate, store, and process information.

Q: What inspired you to explore the synaptic process as a subject for Emergence?

Tan Mu: I have always been fascinated by the brain and the individual neurons that form thoughts and memories, which inspired my earlier works, MRI (2021) and Emergence (2022). Building on this foundation, I delved deeper into the synapse, a critical structure in the nervous system. The synapse plays a vital role in transmitting electrical or chemical signals from one neuron to another or to a target effector cell. Interestingly, the synapse is not a direct connection between neurons. Instead, there is a tiny gap called the synaptic cleft. When an electrical signal reaches the end of the presynaptic neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters across this gap.

This process creates a dynamic interaction of connection and disconnection, functioning like an on-and-off switch. In many ways, this mirrors my ongoing exploration of the formation and fragmentation of memory. Synapse reflects on the biological process of memory and thought transmission, offering a perspective on how connections are formed, broken, and redefined.

Q: In Synapse, you compare the brain to a highly efficient computer. How do you see this analogy, especially in light of advancements in technology?

Tan Mu: My work explores the intersection of biological and technological systems, delving into the parallels between the brain and technology, particularly through the concept of "fabric of memory." I compare internal and external memory: internal memory relates to the body’s ability to store and transmit information, such as in the brain and neurons, while external memory encompasses systems that store and transmit human knowledge and collective memory, like data centers and undersea fiber-optic cables.

In Synaptic, I draw a comparison between synaptic connections in the brain and logic circuits in computers. Both rely on an "on-and-off" switch mechanism to determine the flow of information. This mirrors the way logic circuits manage data flow and the brain's neural networks function similarly to global undersea cable networks, connected through nodes, lines, and networks. The analogy of the brain as a highly efficient computer is also reflected in how a motherboard mimics the brain's structure and function. Motherboards are designed with functional points, like chips and circuits, to control electrical currents, paralleling the synaptic connections in the brain.

Works such as MRI (2021), Memory (2019), Emergence (2022), Emergence2,3 (2024), Logic Circuit (2022), the Signal series, and Synaptic (2023) bring an emotional perspective to this convergence of technology, materiality, and humanity. Together, they form a continuous discussion on "fabric of memory," as well as the themes of connection and disconnection that resonate in both biological and technological realms.

Q: Do you see parallels between the human brain and the evolving capabilities of artificial intelligence?

Tan Mu: I’ve always intuitively felt a profound connection between the human brain and the evolving capabilities of artificial intelligence. This intuition was further validated when I came across the research paper The Geometry of Concepts: Sparse Autoencoder Feature Structure. I was fascinated by how this study scientifically bridges the aspects I’ve been exploring.

The paper describes how large language models (LLMs) process cognition, comparing it to specific regions of the human brain that specialize in tasks such as image recognition or logical analysis. It highlights how LLMs use a “universe of concepts” to construct knowledge. This “universe of concepts forms a point cloud structure, reflecting how knowledge is externalized and distributed within a multidimensional framework. Remarkably, this structure mirrors patterns found in the human brain, the atomic world, and the organization of galaxies at different scales (micro, meso, and macro), unveiling a hidden structure that interconnects these realms. This hidden structure is precisely what my paintings seek to depict. From Atom (2020) to MRI (2021) and Gaze: Observable Infinity (2024), my work intuitively and visually explores the connections between atoms, the human brain, and the universe of concepts. I’ve come to realize that the mathematical models underlying these themes align with the structures I portray, providing a deeper layer to the ongoing dialogue in my art.

Q: The vibrant blue and yellow tones in Synapse are striking. Do these colors hold specific symbolic meaning for you in representing neural communication?

Tan Mu: In Synapse, I use the contrast of vibrant blue and glowing yellow to depict the intricate process of synaptic communication. The glowing yellow symbolizes neurotransmitters as they cross the synaptic gap and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. This visual dynamic captures the critical moment when chemical signals are transformed into electrical impulses, enabling neural communication. The interplay of these colors not only highlights the scientific intricacies of this process but also lends an aesthetic dimension to the artwork, emphasizing the beauty of this unseen biological phenomenon. Through the use of luminous yellow, I aim to evoke a sense of energy and vibrancy, reflecting the dynamic and vital nature of neurotransmitter activity. They also evoke images of glowing marine creatures or galaxies in the universe, illustrating the parallels between biological and cosmic mysteries. This imagery invites viewers to reflect on the intricate networks within our brains while drawing connections to the vast, unseen systems that define both life and the cosmos. It sparks a sense of wonder, encouraging the audience to imagine the profound interplay between the microcosm of our biology and the macrocosm of the universe.