EBRU YILDIZ: King of All the Land
“. . . if we can learn to talk to an animal, what’s to be learnt from a meadow, a river, a tree or a stone?”
Anja Niemi’s fifth monograph invites readers on a transformative journey of connection with nature, highlighting the profound lessons of kindness and harmony that can be found in the bond between humans and the natural world.
King of All the Land is the second book by New York-based photographer Ebru Yıldız, showcasing a remarkable collaboration with the enigmatic musician Mitski. Widely known for her emotionally resonant lyrics and live performances, Mitski possesses a unique ability to convey complex emotions that align seamlessly with Yıldız’s intuitive approach to photography. This book delves into Yıldız’s distinct perspective, creative exploration, and dedication to reimagining the portrayal of women.
The photographs within this meticulously crafted volume capture three autumn days near Nashville, where Yıldız and Mitski followed their instincts, broke free from traditional expectations, and inhabited a space between the imaginary and the documentary. While the shoot began with specific parameters, it evolved into a fluid exchange, with the artists creating moments that evoked the spirit of musical improvisation. As a result, Mitski’s exceptional performative skills translate beautifully to the page, drawing inspiration from Butoh, the Japanese avant-garde dance form that originated in 1959.
Ultimately, King of All the Land embodies authenticity, standing as a testament to collaboration and the pursuit of artistic truth. Each black-and-white image radiates freedom and rebellion, revealing the emotional depth of Mitski while prioritizing storytelling over superficial ideals. This collection invites viewers to reflect on the significance of artistic collaboration and genuine expression, challenging traditional representations of women in photography. Through Yıldız’s lens, viewers connect with Mitski’s striking openness and the transformative power of art, encouraging them to seek authenticity and connection in a world that often confines.
“Anja Niemi reminds us of the nobility of being in the world, the shepherding of being, the power of the sacred . . . Humanity has lost its bearings, and we need to reinvent paths of reconciliation. A Naturalist Guide to Magic offers us the chance to re-enchant.” —Fabien Ribery, L’intervalle
“Anja Niemi reminds us of the nobility of being in the world, the shepherding of being, the power of the sacred . . . Humanity has lost its bearings, and we need to reinvent paths of reconciliation. A Naturalist Guide to Magic offers us the chance to re-enchant.” —Fabien Ribery, L’intervalle
ANJA NIEMI (b. 1976, Norway) consistently works alone, often placing herself within her meticulously crafted tableaux. She constructs fictional narratives where she serves as both the author and the character. Niemi’s work engages with themes that resonate with the human experience rather than being limited to personal reflections. Although her poetic stories are entirely imagined—often inspired by film and literature—they create an intimate space for genuine discussions about identity, conformity, and our connection to the natural world. Niemi studied at the London College of Printing in Paris and Parsons School of Design in New York. She has exhibited her work in galleries worldwide, and her photographs are included in various public and private collections. A Naturalist Guide to Magic is her fifth monograph.
GEORGE H. KING (b. 1993, UK) is a London-based writer and editor focusing on intersections of contemporary photography, culture, politics and society. A graduate of Liberal Arts & Sciences from University College Utrecht, the Netherlands, King previously worked as Editor-in-Chief of Unseen Magazine and Assistant Editor of Foam Magazine. His writing has been featured in the likes of IMA Magazine, The British Journal of Photography, Trigger and Yet Magazine.
Published by Skeleton Key Press & What Remains, October 2025
ISBN 978-82-694125-0-5
22.4 x 29.9 cm (8.75 x 11.75 in)
Hardcover (clothbound/tipped-in images (front)/foil stamped spine & back cover), 182 pages (incl. gatefolds), 109 duotone plates
Edited and sequenced by Ebru Yıldız and Russell Joslin
Book layout: Ebru Yıldız
Cover design and typesetting: Yeliz Secerli
Additional creative direction: Russell Joslin
Prepress: Mitchell King
Texts by Ebru Yıldız, Mitski, & Mitchell King
Text in English
First Edition, 2000 copies
