In Studio: Jan von Holleben

What started as a spontaneous photography project evolved into a celebrated photography career for Jan von Holleben. Jan's work transforms everyday moments into extraordinary scenes. Guided by a fascination with science and storytelling, he explores how creativity and discovery inform one another, capturing the joy of experimentation and imagination.

Through this lens of curiosity and exploration, Jan reminds us that learning and play are inherently inseparable. 

Tell us about your journey to becoming a professional artist.

I never wanted to be an artist or even a photographer. My original intention was to work with artists in some capacity, perhaps as a curator, editor, or agent. However, my direction shifted during the weekends and holidays spent experimenting with photography alongside my neighbors’ children when I’d return home to visit my mom in rural Germany. At the time, I was studying history and theory of photography in the UK. 

I have always been interested in involving children in my photography to construct images informed by two perspectives: the critically engaged, educated adult, and the imaginative, curious child. 

After two years of these playful photo sessions, we had a series called ‘Dreams of Flying.’ When I shared it with some of my online connections, it quickly took off across the internet. Within a year, I had become an internationally recognized photographer and artist. I received numerous awards, participated in exhibitions, found an agent, opened a studio, and was fully booked with work.

That’s when I knew it would be my life! 20 years later, I can confirm it was the right choice.

Tell us about your work. What themes or messages do you hope to convey through your art?

I love science and imaginative play. Two very different worlds, yet I’ve always had a fascination for both. Science is structured, reliable, and perpetually in search of truths and solutions. Imaginative play is the ultimate creative subject, boundless, fluid, and joyfully chaotic. Like many opposites, I find they attract each other and can’t be without the other. They belong together, for without play and experimentation, there wouldn’t be science and discovery. 

I’ve also realized that without play, there can’t be learning. I’ve used my joy for play to continue learning, and what I learn subsequently becomes photographs. Ultimately, my work reveals various stages of learning, including the successes, failures, and everything in between. 

That’s what I want to convey: learning is play and play is learning.

Tell us about your process. Do you have any unique techniques or rituals that are integral to your work?

My subject matter varies widely and often includes unfamiliar or new territory, so I begin with basic research. Like any scientist, I gather information, read extensively, and collect as many visual references as possible that relate to my subject. 

The next step is to consider my audience and how they relate to the subject. I then determine a logistical framework, outlining time, costs, and resources. Only once I understand the scope do ideas start to flow, at which point I’ll draw images, discuss with my team, and explore possibilities. 

All these factors remain flexible until the moment everything comes together in front of the camera. Then the games begin. The components respond to one another, ultimately forming a unique, fleeting moment. I move components around or take them in or out of the scene until the image I want is in place. And then the game is over. No further tests or rearrangements. The image exists in its own unique, unrepeatable state.

Finding the right rhythm for productivity can be a challenge. What advice do you have for staying productive and focused as an artist?

I’ve learned that I must trust myself. Only then can I fully let myself go and discover the images that I want to create. It took me a while to understand my speciality, but once I did, I was never stressed about being productive. 

However, one essential part of my process is sleep. I always need one night of sleep between brainstorming the initial idea for a project and executing it. Regardless of how big or small the project is, I can only produce quality work when I have time to process it overnight. So many things happen when I go to sleep with a creative idea. My brain can work without the interference of everyday life.

As an artist, how do you measure your success? Can you recall a specific event or milestone in your career that made you feel successful?

My first milestone of success came when strangers reacted strongly to my work. When they wanted to see more, asked questions, and expressed curiosity, I realized that my work has a life of its own, and its impact extends beyond what I ever imagined.

What advice do you have for artists who are beginning to build their careers?

Be intentional about who you show your work to. Focus your energy on sharing it with those who want to engage, not simply the widest possible audience. Quality connection leads to meaningful opportunities, and I’ve found this approach to be fulfilling. 

Do you consider yourself, and all artists, to be entrepreneurs? 

Absolutely. As an artist, the goal is to do something that no one has done before. If you don’t consider yourself an entrepreneur, then what is the meaning of being an artist?

Failure is an inevitable part of success in any field. Do you have advice for overcoming setbacks and staying resilient in the face of challenges?

My work is rooted in play and experimentation, so the risk of failure is always present. Losses are inevitable unless you’re playing a rigged game. My advice is to be a good sport and accept losses as an invitation to start a new game.

What sparked your interest in partnering with TurningArt?

Working with TurningArt on healthcare projects that inspire and uplift children and their families during difficult moments is the most rewarding experience I can imagine. The TurningArt team is incredibly skilled, and I am thrilled to partner with them on such a complex yet profoundly impactful and rewarding mission. 

What does having your artwork in public spaces mean to you? How does it feel to see your art in environments where people can engage with it daily?

It is a true WOW moment. It is the best, and I am honored to be able to create something that has an impact on others. 

What is most meaningful to you about being an artist? What drives you to continue creating and pursuing art?

The feedback, conversations, and interactions that result from my work are deeply inspiring. And these often lead to commissions and new opportunities to create art. Without the interest in my work, I would stop doing it and would find another place to use my skills and energies, as I ultimately want to make an impact and create meaningful experiences for others.

To see more featured TurningArtists, return to our blog. To get Jan von Holleben's art in your space, set up a free consultation with an Art Advisor here!