Boris Mikhailov's Retrospective at Maison Européenne de la Photographie

An exhibition highlighting the work of self-taught Ukrainian photographer Boris Mikhailov is on display at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris from 7 September to 15 January. Titled 'Ukrainian Diary,' this retrospective features more than 800 photographs collected over five decades. Among the showcased series are 'Yesterday's Sandwich' (1966–68) and 'Series of Four' (1980s). Mikhailov's artistic approach, which encompasses documentary, vernacular, absurdist satire, and historical fabulation, explores the politically sensitive terrain of the Soviet Union and its legacy. The review raises doubts about the artist's claim of accidental creation, implying that there is a calculated intention behind the seemingly random juxtapositions.