The Glitch series delves into the increasingly complex relationship between humanity and technology. Through abstract, distorted imagery, it highlights the omnipresence of data in our lives, the fragility of our dependence on technology, and the potential for catastrophic failures caused by unforeseen errors. In today’s world, technology underpins nearly every aspect of life—communication, transportation, infrastructure, and security. As our reliance deepens, so does our vulnerability to its failures. This series employs bold colors and exaggerated forms to evoke a sense of chaos and disruption, symbolizing the dangers of technological malfunctions. Twisted, fragmented shapes echo corrupted data or malfunctioning systems, reinforcing the instability of digital reality. Beyond visual distortion, the abstract imagery reflects the often invisible and incomprehensible nature of technology’s inner workings. The Glitch invites viewers to consider the hidden vulnerabilities within the digital world, urging a reflection on the consequences of our ever-growing technological dependence.

Q: Your The Glitch series depicts the visual effects of signal disruptions and digital malfunctions. Could you share the background and inspiration behind this series?

Tan Mu: This series is inspired by my exploration of signal disruptions and digital glitches, continuing the themes of my previous works such as No Channel and No Signal. These works focus on the disruption of signals and its impact on both visual perception and the transmission of information. During the creative process, I drew from my experience studying video production at the Expanded Media Studio Art program at Alfred University. At the time, we manipulated signal control knobs to alter the display on screens, which resulted in abstract distortions such as color shifts, noise, and inversion effects. This series began at the end of 2022, with the first piece completed then, followed by a second work in early 2023. Both pieces are quite large, measuring approximately 2.4 meters in height.

Q: You mentioned the impact of signal disruptions on modern society. Could you elaborate on this?

Tan Mu: In today's world, an internet outage can have catastrophic consequences. Virtually all critical infrastructures—healthcare, transportation, financial systems—rely on real-time access to information. A network failure, even lasting just a few minutes, could lead to air traffic control malfunctions, disruptions in emergency response systems, and a cascade of other serious issues. While working on The Glitch, I read several reports predicting large-scale internet failures. Not long after, Europe experienced a major outage that stranded travelers at airports and disrupted medical services. This incident made me realize that the fragility of digital networks isn’t just a theoretical concern—it’s an imminent and tangible threat.

Q: How do you translate the effects of signal disruptions into visual language?

Tan Mu: I recreate these visual effects in painting by layering acrylic paint with masking techniques, building up color in successive layers to mimic the fragmented distortions seen on malfunctioning screens. In certain areas, I applied thick impasto textures that create a raised surface—one can physically feel the different layers when touching the canvas. This tactile quality enhances the visual impact while symbolizing the complexity and instability of digital information transmission. The composition incorporates abstract color blocks, gradients, and textured surfaces to express the disarray of a disrupted signal. The striped patterns created through masking techniques also reference barcode imagery, which is deeply embedded in our daily lives. Barcodes are more than just technical tools; they are symbolic of the invisible flow of information in the digital age. In modern society, barcodes and QR codes have become an essential part of our environment, carrying vast amounts of data while often going unnoticed. By incorporating these elements into the composition, I aim to prompt viewers to reflect on the intricate and fragile nature of information networks.

Q: How does this series relate to your other works?

Tan Mu: This series connects closely with my previous works, such as No Channel, Off, and No Signal, all of which explore disruptions in information flow and how these interruptions shape our visual culture and contemporary experience. These moments of interruption, rather than being mere technical failures, have become part of our collective visual memory. Moreover, this series resonates with my recent Signal series. While Signal investigates information transmission from a physical infrastructure perspective—focusing on undersea cables—The Glitch shifts the focus to the visual manifestations of signal failures on screens. Together, these series form a broader inquiry into the fragility of digital networks and the risks embedded in technological dependency, offering a reflection on human experiences in the digital age.