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Internationally-acclaimed photographer and philanthropist Ishaq Madan, whose pictures have either inspired or raised funds for charitable causes, is offering people across the globe a glimpse of his home captured from his point of view.
The 30-year-old Bahraini visual artist will be launching a limited edition publication called 973 (nine seven three) after the kingdom’s calling code.
“I chose it because it is a nod to home, a call per se,” said Ishaq, who recently graduated from Nottingham Trent University, UK with a distinction in FinTech and Financial Markets. “It reminds me of the times I lived away from the island and had a deep longing for it.”
“Hence, the book comprises a heartfelt collection of photographs captured during a 10-year period characterised by nostalgia and longing, intertwined with a childlike perception of home and the fabric that weaves the island together— treating it like an open playground,” he said. “This book is a celebration and a farewell of sorts; a call to home yet a goodbye to my 20s.”
The design and sequencing phase is currently in progress with Ishaq tight-lipped about details contained in the book, including how many pages and its release date.
“I can’t give much away just yet,” said the Tubli resident. “What is certain is I want the book to be an experience. Which is why I also have not chosen a date yet, as I want to make sure we put out a well-curated experience.”
Whether it will be sold only in Bahrain or globally, he said “there are no restrictions as to who will own one” and that he hopes to see it “on coffee tables and bookshelves around the world”.
“I hope to put out a tangible piece of work that can be felt and held. There is so much more to the presence of a work as the world consumes itself in digitisation,” he said. “I also want the book to be something people will come back to whenever they miss home, or are enthusiastic to share with someone a piece of home.”
However, despite his book carrying an air of mystery, he has graciously shared with GulfWeekly readers some of the work that we can expect to see.
One of the photographs will be his famous artsy picture of two thobe-donning youngsters in Bahrain combining their traditional look with the playfulness of skateboarding for that modern feel. The image not only went viral on social media but also caught the attention of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, US.
“I have had the honour of exhibiting my work at the new Bahrain International Airport and the 46th Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition. However, nothing beats being part of a MoMA New York exhibition where my work was on display in select New York City (NYC) subway stations for all to see.”
Every day, some 4.5 million passengers take to the subway in NYC.
Ishaq’s photographs have been featured in an array of exhibits ranging from Sharjah Art Foundation’s Vantage Point 5 in 2018 to the Paris Biennale in 2019 and Dubai’s Arab Street Vol 2.
What makes his images stand out are his techniques as he often combines natural light with soft highlights and unusual perspectives to create painting-like photographs featuring characters captured in the frame. His inspiration is heavily drawn from his desire to bridge the gap between Bahrain and the world through pictorial masterpieces.
His visual arts practice is built on a foundation of self-learning and practical experience in the field. However, there are photographers who shaped and motivated him over the years, including Camille Zacharia, Mustafa Al Bastaki, Daido Moriyama and Sean Tucker.
“I think it’s important to have great artists to look up to as it eventually sharpens your third eye and perspective,” he said. “I recall being the family photographer during my adolescence which may have set things in motion. I cannot seem to pinpoint exactly when my photography journey began, but what I can say is that the journey has been fruitful and filled with wonder so far.
“I enjoy creating; it’s when I most feel alive. Photography is a meditative experience that allows me to shape time by slowing it down to be in the moment and celebrate its happening.”
Ishaq has also recently completed an artist residency programme with Al Riwaq and is looking for new and challenging opportunities once his book is completed.
For details, follow @ishaqmadan on Instagram.
