The Greek photographer Nelly’s: the interplay of personal and socio-cultural theme of ‘rebirth’

Abstract

This article presents a psychobiography study of the famous Greek photographer Ellie Sougioultzoglou-Seraidari (Nelly’s) (1899–1998). Nelly’s was born in Aidini (Asia Minor), and in her early years she experienced the tragic events of the Greek-Turkish War (1919–1923). She studied photography in Dresden (Germany), and worked in Athens (Greece) and New York (U.S.A.). A narrative and cultural psychology framework was adopted to explore the way that Nelly’s constructed her life story. An adjusted version of the ‘Life-Story Interview’ (McAdams & Bowman, 2001) was used that distinguishes between redemption versus contamination narratives. The narrative analysis of autobiographical materials revealed turning points and a central life theme. The photographer appeared to construct her life story as a process of reinventing herself or managing ‘rebirth’. This construction matches the dominant narrative of Greek refugees of Asia Minor, following what is known in European history as the Asia Minor ‘Great Catastrophe’ (1922). Both narratives are surviving and thriving stories of ‘rebirth’. The importance of making meaning of life stories within a specific socio-cultural and historical context is emphasised. Practice and research suggestions are provided.