From Publishers Weekly
The private bond between "life-sized, synthetic sex dolls" and their owners is something rarely witnessed by outsiders, so the photographs in this book are likely to titillate-and possibly shock- viewers, despite Dorfman's decidedly neutral approach to her subjects. Clearly, these made-to-order dolls are primarily constructed for gratification, yet the photographs tell stories that are much more complex, disturbing-and at times-familiar. Whether it's the man on the lawn, pecking away at his laptop as his fully clothed doll lies quietly beside him or the man drinking his morning coffee while slyly eyeing his doll, sprawled suggestively nearby, the photographs reveal the power of the human imagination and its role in achieving and sustaining what could be loosely defined as "happiness." This collection, which features predominately male owners, strives to convince viewers that doll owners grow to "love" these inanimate objects; however it is unlikely that your typical viewer will reach this rather lofty conclusion, largely due to Dorfman's calculated distance from her subjects.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Book Description
A fascinating, serious, and shocking glimpse into an alien realm, these are art photos of the complex relationships between sex dolls and their owners. These are not kitschy inflatables, but life-sized expensive, highly realistic dolls, customized to the smallest detail. Dorfman’s deft treatment of the subject and neutral color palette keep the images grounded in documentary tradition, neither prurient nor fantastic. Viewers can believe in the owners’ vision of these dolls as free objects of relation from this candid and non-judgmental approach. The dolls become sculptural beauties, sex kittens, companions, and family members. A woman owns several dolls representing different aspects of her personality. A military officer dreams of marrying his Rebecca. A family goes about their morning routine as Valentine sits at the table in a demure cardigan and straw hat. These photos are as riveting and culture-shifting as those of Diane Arbus.
