Our inspiration for this work comes from disparate sources which include the folk tale of a sickle weasel that once inspired Eikoh Hosoe, the internalized movements of butoh dancers, and the mysterious nocturnal wildlife photography of George Shiras; however Mitski’s magnificent performance that embodies an incredible range of human emotions push the photographs to a place beyond my imagination. It is Mitski’s uninhibited exploration that makes this collaboration so incredibly special and unique.

I keep thinking about Robert Frank’s quote: “The truth is somewhere between the documentary and the fictional.” I can’t think of anything else that sums up our collaboration more perfectly than this. Of course, we had an idea of what we wanted to achieve, but when I look back, I am realizing that I documented an incredible woman reconnecting with her essence, retreating to a place where she feels safe and at home, away from the weight of societal expectations, responsibilities, definitions, and restrictions. Running away from all that just to discover herself within herself.

I have infinite admiration for Mitski. As a performing artist she has no intention of fitting into a marketable mold that the music industry tries to squeeze her into. Instead, she unapologetically follows her instincts towards what she feels to be the truest representation of her art. And that requires conviction. For King Of All the Land, she chose storytelling over superficial ideals. We did not have any stylists or a hair and make up team. We accentuated the grotesque and raw instead of the polished and glamorous. Mitski let herself be vulnerable. I think the resulting photographs are a testament to her openness that radiates a transcendental freedom.