What a fantastic exhibition. I really cannot wait time see what happens next with this project.
Congratulations.

Cat Gray
Chair - Phakama 

“It was an absolute pleasure and delight to be part of a such an large and appreciative audience who I know only you and Reihan Bhai could have made possible. It's a fantastic testament to the credibility you both have across the borough and amongst so many different groups of people. 

The topic you choose was spot on and greatly illustrated the issues of diversity, inclusion and community all centred around our natural love of food...WELL DONE!

The feedback and conversations I had with the invited guests all made similar comments. 

Additionally it was really good of you and the your sponsors to bring so many people together at Queen Mary University. I know that  despite many of them living in the area, until your invitation they had not really had the opportunity to enter the premises on their doorstep. 

That was a positive act on your part and I'd be grateful if you can pass on my thanks to the staff and management at the University for allowing it. I do hope there will be future opportunities for the local community to visit there again. 

I'm sure you have had lots of positive feedback and Congratulations.”

Abdul Rob 
Sugar Media & Marketing 
Black History Month 

Fantastic celebration of diversity. Not only is it captured beautifully it also reflects British  muslims in a wider setting. These platforms for artists are essential in creating understanding and tolerance. Keep up the good work!

Rajul

 I loved your exhibition. It covered everything I love about art – passion, space creativity and most importantly, representation.

Yusef Buchanan
Arlington Conference Centre Manager

Really jaw dropping images and commentary. A brilliant adaption and a fantastic beginning to a much needed history of the East End.

LK

“It was nice to be represented in a positive way for a change. The exhibition portrayed our lifestyle well, us Muslims have completely integrated into society. In a democratic country we chose to dress differently but that doesn't make us any less British. Really enjoyed it!”

Sajida

"It's a truism to say that 'we are what we eat'. Yet how many of us area really aware of the foods that make up our neighbour's weekly routines? If we don't know what each other eat, we might wonder just how well we know each other at all. This project starts to address that blindspot by casting light on the everyday food practices that make up the complex identities of East London's muslim residents. The power of the stories and images that the full English uncovers speak for themselves. But they'll leave your belly rumbling too."

Dr Alex Rhys-Taylor
BSc, MA, PhD, PGCert
Senior lecturer MA Cities & Society / Goldsmiths University

For me, Full English is a both thought-provoking and entertaining exhibition, on the important theme of identity and cultural change.

Those against cohesive communities strive to concentrate on what marks people apart; to separate and divide. Full English prefers to gently direct us to what we share in common, and what we have gained from living in a diverse community. Such work is not only important, but also the particular approach of Full English is particularly effective given it is accessible to all audiences, and also persuasive in content. As such it contributes towards understanding, and stronger communities.

Working locally in Tower Hamlets, I particularly enjoyed the familiarity of some of the locations and those depicted, but also the more universal simple, gentle appeal of what some might see as the everyday. The image compositions and accompanying text were highly engaging, and expertly produced. 

 The adoption of chicken tikka masala onto the indigenous British dining table is well known, but the reverse passage of traditional British food into the kitchens of the East End Muslim community is a fact less widely appreciated, let alone celebrated. Light hearted, affectionate, and warm in spirit, Full English guides us to acknowledging that cultural osmosis is a two-way street, on-going, at times unbeknown, but often life-affirming in small but telling ways.

Paul Wilson
Community Engagement Manager 

The last time I attended a art show was when I was in college it was part of my English Literature A-levels. 

Exhibitions like this does appeal to me and my peers because it brings about change and puts stereotypes at the forefront so they can be addressed and removed and would attended more similar events.

As someone who wears the niqab it made me feel empowered and accepted because people find a veiled women daunting. However, seeing a veiled women being highlighted in setting where it wouldn't be, challenges peoples ideologies and misconceptions and forces them to look into the idea. 

Atiya

“Helped that there was refreshment, but next time more fruits please. Definitely helped that is was open to families. If I couldn’t bring the kids I simply would not come. Also the content of the exhibition was of interest to me. Someone like Zakariya would really appreciate the content of the exhibition, even Sumaiyah got it that it was about food! Looks at the roast dinner picture, and recalls our Christmas Day dinner “Khala cooks it, but I didn’t eat it” (Sumaiyah 3 years old) Unlike myself and my own experience of food, my children think it’s part of their ethnic eating experience, roast dinners are part of another weekend dinner. Also wonderful they shared about their longer term project goal of archiving history. I got to appreciate the long term historical significance of their work. My grandkids will certainly inherit a different East End and ‘Bengali’ experience.”

Noorjahan

It was wonderful to see a veiled Muslim women being portrayed in a positive light. The image really resonated with me as these are the things we do on a weekly basis.

I felt very comfortable in the event and really enjoyed seeing the photos and reading about the people. It's good that positive things are now being documented about Muslims.

The event was very well organised and it was good to see people from different backgrounds attending. It was a good evening out with the kids as they got to see work that was produced by someone they know on display.

Zakira

Amazingly insightful and heart warming exhibition. Thank you for recording our present and protecting our history.

Munadiah