Jan van IJken (1965) is a photographer and filmmaker from the Netherlands, fascinated by nature, biology and microscopy. His recent films about starling murmurations and the beginning of life have been selected and awarded by numerous international film festivals. After publications on National Geographic and Aeon, the films went ‘viral’ on the internet. He is self-taught and is working mainly autonomously on long-term projects. As a photographer, he developed a strong eye for natural light, composition and detail. His work is more and more about art and science.