London to Lahore: Tami and Tony Aftab Unite for a Family Cooking Photobook-Cookbook
Published on: November 2, 2023.
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Two years after Anthony ‘Tony’ Aftab, a prolific freelance photographer and avid home cook, was diagnosed with dementia, his daughter Tami Aftab has captured their journey in a heartwarming photo book titled “The Rice is on the Hob.” The book explores their bond through food and Pakistani cuisine, showcasing Tony’s recipes and Tami’s evocative photographs.
Tami, who has always felt connected to her Pakistani heritage through food, saw the project as an opportunity to fulfill her long-held dream of co-authoring a book. In February of this year, she and Tony traveled to Lahore, Pakistan, his hometown and the inspiration behind many of his culinary creations.
For Tami, the trip was both disorienting and overwhelming at first, as it had been years since she had been to Pakistan. However, as soon as she tasted the food, she felt a sense of familiarity and a connection to her roots. Tony acted as her guide, helping her navigate the city, find locations to shoot, and interact with locals. Together, they aimed to capture the essence of Tony’s perspective on food and his battle with dementia.
The images in the book reflect both the joy and the challenges of their journey. Tami wanted to ensure that her father’s agency and dignity were maintained in the photographs, despite his illness. Alongside the portraits, the book features photographs of Tony’s handwritten notes, annotated recipes, and a four-page interview, creating a visual and narrative dialogue between father and daughter.
The project has been a culmination of Tami and Tony’s five years of collaboration, bringing together their shared love for Pakistani cuisine and their unique perspectives. Through “The Rice is on the Hob,” they hope to not only share their story but also inspire readers to cook Tony’s recipes and experience the comfort and warmth of a homemade family meal.
Don’t miss the solo show of “The Rice is on the Hob” sponsored by WePresent on November 3rd, 4th, and 5th at Have a Butchers, E8 2NG from 11am to 4pm.
Source: https://www.itsnicethat.com
