Michka Kovalsky: Photography Exhibition "Icon of Wonder" at La Lison Gallery, Paris

The La Lison Gallery in Paris is showcasing the photography exhibition "Iconic Emotion" by Michka Kovalsky, on view from February 12 to March 28, 2026. The artist delves into the human form and the essence of images through a captivating mix of wood, gold leaf, and chiaroscuro techniques.

The Galerie La Lison in Paris is hosting the photography exhibition Icon of Emotion by Michka Kovalsky, running from February 12 to March 28, 2026. The artist presents a series of works crafted on wood and partially covered with gold leaf, where chiaroscuro shapes the imagery and creates a dialogue between the body and material. The exhibition offers a contemplative journey designed to encourage viewers to take their time with the visuals.

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.

Our Review of the "Icon Emoi" Exhibition at La Lison Gallery:

We had the chance to experience this exhibition on a quiet afternoon, after the opening event, which allowed for a calmer visit. The gallery, quite cozy since it is located within a tattoo parlor, immediately immerses visitors into the heart of Michka Kovalsky's work. Visitors quickly feel captivated by these striking pieces, mostly on wood panels. The artist’s intention seems to elevate her models to the status of sacred icons, infusing her art with a mystical — even Christ-like — aura.

A meticulous process, explains the gallery owner: Michka Kovalsky designs everything from scratch — from the costumes and hairstyles to the framing, the setting, and accessories. She creates her own garments, styles the models herself, and envisions the entire universe within which she captures her photographs. For instance, the halo around the Queer Jesus is entirely crafted and mounted on a wall by the artist. The positioning of the model and the angle of the shot do the rest. Similarly, for Mary Magdalene, a frame is fixed to the ceiling with a backdrop, with the model placed precisely between the two, creating a staged scene without any digital manipulation — just the perfect angle and an instant captured.

The photos are printed on paper (similar to polaroids), then carefully altered, scratched to remove paper and leave only the film, and finally placed delicately on 22-carat gold leaf backgrounds. The wood surfaces are heavily distressed: boiled, then passed through a grinder or other tools to give an aged, eroded appearance — a stark contrast to the delicate quality of the photographs. Nonetheless, every detail is deliberate and meticulously planned.

Must-Know Details:

The gallery is small but brimming with artworks, so take your time to explore everything. Prices are deliberately kept accessible, starting at around 160 euros for some pieces — perfect for a young artist launching their career with attractive prices, making it easier to start collecting. Whether you find a piece you love is entirely up to you.

Located just steps from Place de la République, the gallery is housed within the La Bête Humaine tattoo studio. Don’t hesitate to step inside — yes, you’re at the right spot...

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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