Kharkiv School of Photography

The "Kharkov School of Photography" refers to the group of photographers led by Boris Mikhailov, who explored artistic photography, which was banned in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv during the Soviet era, and their subsequent generations. Unlike other so-called schools such as the German Becher School, their techniques and aesthetics were explored and passed down through workshops held by groups and individuals.

Photo: Kharkiv Museum of Art (MOKSOP was founded in 2018 by Kharkiv School photographer and curator Serhiy Lebedinsky. It was scheduled to open as a museum of the Kharkiv School, aiming to preserve, research and develop Ukrainian and international photography. However, the imminent opening plan of the facility was scrapped due to the Russian military invasion in 2022, and the Kharkiv School works were evacuated to the basement of Lebedinsky's house in Wolfsburg, Germany. The works were temporarily stored by the Wolfsburg Kunstmuseum, and a part of this important collection was exhibited as "Ukrainian Dreamers: Kharkiv School Photography" from October 13, 2023 to January 7, 2024.

The latest issue of the critical magazine Genron contains an essay on the Kharkiv School by Yoko Ueda, a Russian literature scholar and Genron representative. This is a very valuable text that conveys the history and current situation surrounding the Kharkiv School, so if you are interested in the Kharkiv School, we recommend that you purchase this book as a set with the collection of works.

In-store events
Feature: MOKSOP
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Sunday, June 23, 2024
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