Natalia Mela biography

Natalia Mela: A Life in Greek Sculpture 

Natalia Mela-Constantinidi (1923–2019), widely known as Natalia Mela, was one of Greece's most significant modern sculptors. Born in Kifissia, Athens, into a prominent family, she defied traditional expectations to pursue a vibrant and unconventional artistic career spanning several decades.  

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Mela was born in 1923to an illustrious Greek family; she was the granddaughter of the Macedonian fighter Pavlos Melas and the daughter of an artillery officer. She was known for her independent spirit, which led her to pursue a creative life rather than the conventional role expected of her class.  

Mela studied sculpture at the Athens School of Fine Arts from 1942 to 1947, learning from notable professors like Kostas Dimitriadis and Michalis Tombros, and also working in Thanassis Apartis's studio. In 1946, she was awarded the First Prize for nude sculpture. After graduating, her studio became a popular meeting place for artists of the "30s Generation," including figures like Yannis Tsarouchis and Nikos Engonopoulos. She was also a founding member of the art group "Armos" in 1949.  

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Her early work, until about 1960, was more traditional, primarily consisting of busts and commissions made from marble, stone, and clay. Her collaboration with architect Dimitris Pikionis influenced this period.  

A major shift occurred around 1960 when she began working with metal after learning welding techniques, sometimes using "ready-made"materials, metal sheets, parts, and even chains. This material change introduced elements of abstraction into her work, moving away from strictly traditional forms while still maintaining a representational orientation. Later in her life, in her 90s, when welding became too difficult, she also created intricate sculptures using paper.  

Personal Life and Inspirations

In 1951, she married the architect Aris Konstantinidis (1913–1993). For a time, she focused on jewelry and designing stage sets for Karolos Koun's Art Theatre. Her primary artistic inspirations were nature, the animal world(especially goats, roosters, and bulls), and Greek mythology. She aimed for her sculptures to evoke values connected to Greek culture such as 'heroismos' (heroism) and 'leventia' (courage). Mela died in Athens in 2019.  

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Major Works and Commissions:

Natalia Mela's work is displayed in both public spaces and private collections across Greece and internationally. Her notable sculptures and commissions include:  

• Public Monuments and Portraits:

• Bust of Stephanos Dragoumis at Zappeion, Athens.  

• Bust of George Pesmazoglou at the National Bank.  

• Monument to the Fallen Soldier at Leontio, Nemea (in collaboration with Dimitris Pikionis).  

• Statue of the naval commander Laskarina Bouboulina(1985) on the island of Spetses.  

• Statue of Pavlos Melas in Thessaloniki.  

• Statue of the actress Kiveli at the Athens Cultural Centre.  

• Animal and Mythological Themes:

• Her abstract metal sculptures of animals like goats, roosters (cocks), bulls (taurs), and birds are well-known, often capturing the force and vitality of nature.  

• The exhibition "Natalia Mela" at the Benaki Museum in 2008 showcased her work grouped thematically, including "Roosters," "Bipeds/Quadrupeds," "Warriors," and "Myths," such as the work 'Orpheas.'  

• A striking metal mermaid statue is also installed at the old harbor of Spetses.  

Mela participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout her career, including the Sao Paulo Biennale (1965) and a major retrospective at the Benaki Museum(2008). In 2011, she received the Fine Arts Awards of the Academy of Athens.  

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