Posted by vrcvanderbilt on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 in Events, Fine Arts Gallery, HART, News, Vanderbilt University, VRC.

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. On view through August 18 in the Fine Arts Gallery in Cohen Memorial Hall on the Peabody campus, these are, in effect, portraits of flowers, whether seen as individual buds or in relation to others of the same species, whether in their vibrant peak or fading days.

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 are recent gifts to the Fine Arts Gallery’s growing collection of photography, generously donated by Melissa and Scott Tannen, both BA’99, and Ronald Francesco.

The exhibit was organized by Vanderbilt’s Fine Arts Gallery and curated by Joseph Mella, director, and Margaret Walker, assistant curator. Summer gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 12-4pm; and Saturday, 1-5pm. Parking is available, free of charge, anywhere in Lot 95 on the Peabody campus, accessible from 21st Avenue South.

*Joyce Tenneson (American, b. 1945). Dogwood, 2004, printed 2015. Archival pigment print, 22 x 17 inches.