Lev Borodulin (1923-2018) was a true legend of Soviet sports photography and one of the leading photographers of the iconic ‘Ogonyok’ magazine. An innovator in the genre of sports photography, he continued the traditions of avant-garde photographers, such as Alexander Rodchenko. Many of his images became iconic and were sold at the world’s most famous auctions.
During the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Borodulin took the famous ‘High dive’ photo, which was featured on the cover of ‘Ogonyok’. It showed a female athlete from the back as she jumped. The Soviet authorities criticized the photo for its formalism and frivolity – so it became both scandalous and famous.
Take a look at this and other famous photos by this master of photography.
High dive, 1960
Borodulin Collection
Parade, 1956
Borodulin Collection
Who are the judges?, 1957
Borodulin Collection
Water festival, 1960
Borodulin Collection
Gymnastic circle, 1967
Borodulin Collection
Sports ornament, 1956
Borodulin Collection
Into Space, 1964
Borodulin Collection
On the turn, 1955
Borodulin Collection
The ‘Lev Borodulin. Predicting the Moment’ exhibition is on display at the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center from August 3 to November 17, 2023.
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