Joyce Tenneson: Luminous Being

Joyce Tenneson, Luminous Being, c. 1990s

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 14, 2017

Joyce Tenneson’s photographic portraits have both an element of mythology and a spiritual dimension. Interested in discovering the archetypes of our being, her signature images “allow others to reveal and celebrate aspects of themselves that are usually hidden.” She was born in Weston, Massachusetts on May 29, 1945. Her childhood was spent living on the grounds of the convent her parents worked on. Joyce describes the environment she grew up in as mysterious- “something out of Fellini”- yet filled with symbolism, ritual, and beauty; Aspects that are evident in her portraiture and visions of nature. With intense luminosity, Joyce’s work embodies a soul that brings her photographs to life.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Joyce Tenneson’s photographic portraits have both an element of mythology and a spiritual dimension. Interested in discovering the archetypes of our being, her signature images “allow others to reveal and celebrate aspects of themselves that are usually hidden.” She was born in Weston, Massachusetts on May 29, 1945. Her childhood was spent living on the grounds of the convent her parents worked on. Joyce describes the environment she grew up in as mysterious- “something out of Fellini”- yet filled with symbolism, ritual, and beauty; Aspects that are evident in her portraiture and visions of nature. With intense luminosity, Joyce’s work embodies a soul that brings her photographs to life.

Tenneson is among the most respected photographers and teachers of our time, and has been described critically as “one of America’s most interesting portrayers of the human character.” She earned her master’s degree from George Washington University and her work has been shown in over 150 exhibitions worldwide. Part of numerous private and public museum collections, her photographs have also appeared on countless covers for magazines such as Time, Life, Newsweek, Premiere, Esquire and The New York Times Magazine. She is also a much sought-after personal portrait photographer with clients spanning the globe. Tenneson is the recipient of numerous awards, including the International Center of Photography’s Infinity Award, for best-applied photography. In addition, she has been named “Photographer of the Year” by the international organization, Women in Photography. A recent poll conducted by American Photo Magazine voted Tenneson among the ten most influential women photographers in the history of photography. She currently resides in Maine.