Joyce Tenneson (American, b. 1945) Jane Goodall, 2000 Archival Pigment Print Gift of Mr. Bradley Griffin 2019.32.2
Jane Goodall, the renowned scientist who redefined mankind
within the animal kingdom, insinuates vulnerability in her nudeness.
Her direct eye contact with the viewer suggests confrontation and
forces the viewer to acknowledge Goodall as a wise woman, rather
than an object. The photograph redefines gendered stereotypes of
nudity and age. In 2002, Joyce Tenneson created a revealing
portfolio of older women showcasing their accomplishments and
beauty. Tenneson redefines the female nude and combats the male
gaze by photographing older women in revealing clothing. Rather
than showing the nude body, she eliminates the male gaze and
showcases proud, yet vulnerable women, who have found beauty
and wisdom that comes from aging.