There's something magnetic about photography that finds meaning in ritual - and Josie Hall's debut show does exactly that. Opening at Have A Butchers in London from April 17 through May 1, the series dives deep into the world of kendo, the modern Japanese martial art that translates to the 'way of the sword.'

More than just movement

Kendo is one of those disciplines that looks, from the outside, like it's all about technique. The footwork, the strikes, the protective armour. But Hall's work reaches past the physical to ask something more interesting: what does the practice of mastering a sword have to do with how we move through ordinary life?

According to reporting by Hypebeast, Hall has spoken about her fascination with exactly this connection - how the philosophy behind the way of the sword maps directly onto how a person operates day to day. That's a rich idea to build a body of work around, and her haunting, stylized visual signature appears to be the perfect vehicle for it.

A signature style that suits the subject

Kendo is already a visually striking practice. The practitioners wear bogu armour - layered, structured, almost sculptural - and carry bamboo shinai swords. There's an inherent drama to it, a quality of stillness before explosive movement. Hall's aesthetic, described as haunting and stylized, sounds like it leans into that tension rather than softening it.

Debut shows are always worth paying attention to, because they tend to represent an artist putting down a real marker - this is what I see, this is how I see it. The choice of subject matter here also feels genuinely considered. Kendo isn't a trend piece or an obvious photographic subject. It's a discipline with deep roots in ritual and self-improvement, which gives Hall a lot to work with beyond surface aesthetics.

Why it's worth your time

If you're in London between April 17 and May 1, Have A Butchers is worth adding to your list. Beyond the images themselves, the show offers a chance to think about something that's genuinely relevant right now - the relationship between physical discipline, mindfulness, and how we show up in everyday moments. Kendo practitioners call it the way of the sword. You might just call it intentional living with a better outfit.

It's the kind of show that reminds you photography at its best doesn't just document things - it reframes them.