Zygote (2021) delves into the origins of life and the concept of potentiality embedded in beginnings. Through a delicate interplay of subtle gradations and fine textures, Tan Mu conveys the intricate details and inherent vitality of the zygote as observed under the microscope.

As the first cell formed through fertilization, Zygote resonates with themes of growth, transformation, and the nascent possibilities that define existence. The artwork not only explores biological beginnings but also metaphorically reflects on the genesis of ideas and the birth of creativity. It invites viewers to contemplate the profound simplicity and complexity of life’s origins, fostering a deeper appreciation for the fundamental processes that underlie all forms of life.

Q: What inspired you to create Zygote?

Tan Mu: The inspiration for Zygote came from my deep fascination with the process of conception. This body of work began with my interest in IVF technology. After speaking with scientists in a laboratory, I was able to study visual materials documenting the early stages of embryonic development. Observing fertilized eggs under a microscope, I was struck by the visual transformation that takes place at the very beginning of life.

Zygote is the first work in this exploration of life’s origins. Although the works in this series were created across different years and each carries its own title, they are all part of an ongoing inquiry into the initial forms of life. This piece marks the starting point of that investigation, both conceptually and visually.

Q: How does the zygote resonate with themes of growth and transformation, and how does it reflect the origin of ideas and creativity?

Tan Mu: The zygote represents the absolute starting point of life, carrying infinite potential and uncertainty. For me, it embodies a process of transformation, moving from simplicity toward complexity. This biological process also functions as a metaphor for creativity. An idea often begins as a single point and gradually unfolds into layered systems of thought.

The replication of genes follows a mathematical logic that deeply fascinates me. It mirrors how ideas evolve from an initial impulse into complex structures. While working on Zygote, I was not only depicting the form of a cell but also reflecting on how humans are constructed at a microscopic level. These biological systems operate through encoded information, passed down through genetic programming. In this way, the zygote becomes both a scientific subject and a conceptual symbol of origin.

Q: Painting is itself a process. Could you describe your experience of creating this work?

Tan Mu: The creation of Zygote was intuitive and immediate. I worked with large fields of color and fluid brushstrokes to convey the texture and structure of the fertilized egg. The experience felt almost cosmic, as if I were painting a celestial body that was simultaneously vast and microscopic.

Because the zygote cannot be seen with the naked eye, the process relied on a combination of microscope imagery and imagination. Unlike traditional observational painting, there was no physical subject directly in front of me. Instead, I entered into a dialogue with the essence of the cell itself. I became aware that my own body once began in this form. The zygote is not only a scientific image but also a part of my own origin.

While creating the work, I became deeply engaged with the logic of cellular division. The repetitive structure of duplication reflects how complex systems emerge from simple beginnings. This intersection of biology and mathematics led me to reflect on how genes carry information and how natural programming gives rise to human behavior. Through Zygote, I was able to explore both the beginnings of life and the philosophical questions embedded within its structure.