From February 2 to March 30, 2026, Paris will host an extraordinary exhibition dedicated to the artistic photography of Sophie Yablonska, curated by Solomiia Savchuk. The display features a selection of works from one of her major bodies of work, created in the early 1930s, offering visitors a window into the life, landscapes, and people Yablonska encountered during her travels.
Sophie Yablonska was a writer, photographer, documentary filmmaker, and Ukrainian-French traveler. Independent, ambitious, and open to the world, she belonged to a generation of interwar women who transcended geographical, cultural, and social boundaries, challenging historically assigned roles for women. Notably, she was the first Ukrainian woman to undertake a world tour, producing travel narratives that earned wide recognition and continue to captivate audiences today.
Photography provided Yablonska with a livelihood and a space for artistic experimentation. While her images display a keen eye for landscapes and architecture, they primarily focus on people, captured in their daily lives. The empathy and inclusivity in her approach make her work as much about human connection as it is about visual storytelling.
The exhibition is co-organized by the City of Paris and the Sofia Yablonska Foundation, as part of the cultural season “Le Voyage en Ukraine”, jointly presented by the Ukrainian Institute and the Institut français. Supported by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture of both countries, the project highlights not only Yablonska’s legacy but also the enduring cultural ties between Ukraine and France.
“Until March 30, visitors can experience a journey to Ukraine and beyond through the eyes of a courageous, free-spirited woman,” the organizers note.
The exhibition is displayed on the grids of the Tour Saint-Jacques on Rue de Rivoli, offering an accessible and inspiring cultural experience in the heart of Paris.
Key Credits:
- Curator: Solomiia Savchuk
- Creative Direction: Natalia Guzenko-Budier
- Artistic Direction: Olga Dobel
With the support of: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Embassy of Ukraine in France
Partners: ARTE France, TV France, Médias Monde, Libération, Les Inrockuptibles, Havas, Sofia Yablonska Foundation
Whether you are passionate about photography, travel, or history, Sophie Yablonska: From Ukraine to the Heart of the World offers a rare glimpse into the life and vision of one of the 20th century’s most remarkable Ukrainian women.
