The Book of Dolores

William T. Vollmann has set out on what is perceived as impossible for a heterosexual genetic male: to envision himself as a woman. In these photographs, block prints and watercolour drawings, Vollmann portrays his alter ego, Dolores, with whimsicality and sometimes with cruelty. The Book of Dolores brings the genre of self-portraits to a new level of vulnerability and bravery. In the process, it offers virtuoso performances of photographic techniques, including the seductively difficult gum bichromate method. Each section of the book features an essay.