EBRU YILDIZ: King of All the Land: Mitski
“With Ebru, I can play. I can be my whole self and even try being what I didn’t think I was, and see how it feels. I can try to tell a story, to evoke emotion, and to search for meaning. I can still be 3D in a 2D image.”
The remarkable collaboration between Ebru Yıldız and Mitski that blends intuition, authenticity, and artistic synergy
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
EBRU YILDIZ, a New York-based portrait photographer originally from Turkey, has built a successful career spanning over 15 years. She is known for her distinctive black-and-white portrait style, which reveals the vulnerability and emotional depth of her subjects. Yıldız views each photoshoot as a collaborative effort and has gained particular recognition within the music industry, working with many notable and culturally significant artists. King of All the Land is her second photography book and the debut title from the new publishing company What Remains, founded by Ebru and Mitchell King. The book is co-published in collaboration with Skeleton Key Press.
MITSKI is a Japanese-American musician celebrated for her emotionally raw lyrics, genre-blending sound, and captivating performances. Over the course of six albums, including the critically acclaimed Be the Cowboy (2018), Laurel Hell (2022), and The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We (2023), Mitski has established herself as a defining voice in indie music. She has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Vulture, and has earned deep admiration from both critics and fans.
MITCHELL KING is a New York City-based photographer, musician, and publisher. His landscape photography explores the darker aspects of nature in abstract details and vast empty spaces. He has exhibited in NYC, including Milk Studios Gallery and Calico Gallery, and often collaborates with Ebru Yıldız in photo and video work.
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
