Photo: RIA Novosti/Vladimir Astapkovich
Russian photographer Valery Melnikov has been removed from the shortlist for the prestigious Leica Oskar Barnack Photo Award 2026 (LOBA), he wrote on his Telegram channel.
The photographer noted that Leica had deleted his project “Mariupol. Open Wounds,” which was previously selected by the jury and included in the shortlist. According to Melnikov, the expulsion was preceded by complaints from colleagues from a “neighboring state” who pointed to his work at RIA Novosti. The photographer stated that initially the jury had chosen the project but later Leica referred to the fact that some pictures were taken while working at the agency.
He emphasized that this information has always been open and does not contradict competition rules. Melnikov also said that the vice president of Leica AG suggested he personally request the removal of the project in exchange for possible cooperation. He added that he offered to send this proposal in writing to the post office but refused.
“An artist doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone,” Melnikov wrote on August 10. “I have one life, like an art project with an open deadline! And a large corporation, fearing reputational or some other risks, simply restricted people’s access to information.”
He also noted that he was asked not to mention the inclusion of the project in the shortlist but considers this fact important.
