Iconic Sensation: Michka Kovalsky’s Photo Exhibition at La Lison Gallery in Paris

The La Lison Gallery is showcasing Icon Emotion, an exhibition by Michka Kovalsky, where photography, wood, gold leaf, and chiaroscuro come together in a dialogue centered on the human body and the essence of the image. The exhibit runs from February 12 to March 28, 2026.

Here, your gaze doesn’t wander — it halts. The La Lison Gallery is currently hosting Icon of Emotion, an exhibition showcasing the work of visual artist and photographer Michka Kovalsky. Running from February 12 to March 28, 2026, the show features a series of photographic pieces crafted on wood surfaces, some partially gilded with gold leaf. Central to the display is the play of chiaroscuro, creating a striking visual dynamic. From the very first works, visitors are transported into a space that feels separate from the ordinary — where images demand patience and contemplation rather than quick glances. Note that the opening reception takes place this Thursday, February 12, starting at 7:30 p.m.

What immediately strikes the viewer is the craftsmanship behind the works. Michka Kovalsky begins by selecting old wooden planks, which she then subtly patinas, alters, or lightly burns to reveal their marks. Photographs are subsequently transferred onto these irregular surfaces, before adding gold leaf to certain areas. The finished pieces evoke icons and references to the Renaissance, without ever becoming mere quotations. Valérie Dufour, the gallery owner exhibiting these works, sums up this unique relationship with images: “In her work, the image is never just a simple imprint: it emerges from a dialogue between material, light, and instinct,” she explains in a statement.

A Unique Journey with a Direct Connection to the Body

The journey of Michka Kovalsky offers a deeper insight into this approach. Trained in hairstyling and earning a CAP diploma in 2007, he spent several years working as a hairdresser-makeup artist for photoshoots and modeling agencies. Simultaneously, he cultivated a craft in costume design, passed down from his grandmother, which led him to create costumes for various artistic projects, including the Heartbeat music video by the band Late of the Pier in 2009. Over time, photography naturally became his main platform for experimentation—a space more focused on construction and storytelling than mere documentation of reality.

In Iconic Emotion, the human body takes center stage. It is showcased without heavy symbolism, conveyed instead through postures, gazes, and subtle tensions that speak volumes on their own. The models are selected for their commanding presence and unique character, deliberately avoiding any pursuit of physical perfection. A sense of the sacred runs throughout the exhibition—not in a religious sense, but as a heightened focus on visibility. The gold leaf captures attention, slows down the viewer’s perception, and transforms how the images are experienced.

Leaving Galerie La Lison, visitors are left with a lasting impression: that of having encountered images that continue to engage the eye, without ever dictating a single interpretation. By giving visitors the time to observe, question, and craft their own understanding, the exhibition creates a space for prolonged reflection—where the images continue to resonate long after the visit has ended.

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