American, b. 1945
Dogwood, 2004 printed 2015
Archival pigment print
22” x 17”
Gift of Melissa and Scott Tannen, both BA ‘99
Joyce Tenneson—Botanical Beauty presents work drawn from two portfolios by the artist, both of which feature atmospheric, poetic photographs of flowers in high contrast with a black background. The first series, Flower Portraits, presents sepia-toned images of flowers in decay. Tenneson has adeptly captured movement, wonder, and vibrancy in them, as well as a sublime beauty. Intimacy, the second portfolio, features a wide variety of flowers, photographed in color in a sensuous, almost ethereal, manner. These two series together encourage viewers to study the unique shapes, textures, and marks of individual flowers and, in so doing, to celebrate biodiversity and the life cycle of plants.
Joyce Tenneson is a Maine-based photographer whose work has been exhibited, published, and recognized internationally. She was a recipient of the International Center of Photography’s Infinity Award in 1989. These selections from Flower Portraits and Intimacy are recent gifts to the Fine Arts Gallery’s growing collection of photography; they were generously donated by Melissa and Scott Tannen, both BA ’99, and Ronald Francesco.
Joyce Tenneson—Botanical Beauty is organized by the Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Gallery and curated by Joseph S. Mella, director, and Margaret F. M. Walker, assistant curator.