From bassist to self-taught photographer, Bahraini artist Ishaq Madan has an eye for capturing moments in time and telling unique stories through his lens.

In an exclusive interview, Apple Sharma caught up with the man behind the camera to discover what makes him click!

FACT: What inspired you to take up photography as a profession? How was your journey as a self-taught artist?
IM: The seed was sown when I was a child, as I used to take photos during summer holidays, sometimes tinkering and, ironically, dismantling cameras. However, I delved into other interests, such as music and, for a short while, I was a bassist in a death metal band, where we had the opportunity to play live at Bahrain International Circuit and Amwaj Marina. Eventually, years later, during the rise of phone photography and its accessibility, I developed a passion for photography, as it gave me an opportunity to go to places I would have never pushed myself to go or even meet people I wouldn’t have otherwise. In this day and age, a lot can be learnt from the University of YouTube and, when it comes to photography, the best way to learn is to simply go outside and play. All in all, I let my curiosity guide my creativity, allowing me to experience and learn different things. Without such a drive, I do not think I would be where I currently am.

FACT: Your work mainly focusses on street and conceptual photography. What keeps you coming back to these themes?
IM: A thin line between both, as they can seamlessly convey the human condition and experience that’s true to reality. To a degree it is also therapeutic, specifically street photography, as it allows me to take a step back and observe the world, allowing me to appreciate the mundane and my existence in this temporary plane. I recently established a photography group with some good friends, Khurram Salman and Fadhel Yousifi, called The GR Club (officially Ricoh GR Middle East), with the intention to share our love for street photography and bring together a community because we often hear a lot of photographers tend to find it challenging shooting street photography, as it takes confidence to do so. What’s also special about the GR club is that it solely focusses on a specific inconspicuous camera called the Ricoh GR.

FACT: As Photographer-in-Residence at Al Riwaq Art Space, you’re exploring collages. Has this influenced your photography and are there any exciting new projects in the making?
IM: During my residency at Al Riwaq, I was exposed to many new concepts, as curator William Wells had a way of engaging your critical thought, allowing you to open a dialogue within yourself. More so, exploring collages has inspired me to look into creating more tangible work; I recently launched a zine titled +973 at the Kingdom of Bahrain pavilion’s gift shop [at Expo 2025 Osaka], which serves as a precursor or teaser to a photobook I’m working on.

FACT: You had your photo (Shabab Al Mustaqbel, 2022) featured by The Museum of Modern Art in a New York subway. What did that moment mean to you, both personally and as a Bahraini artist?
IM: I felt a deep sense of pride as it parallels one of my principles in photography, and that is to create with intention to show the world our little island and break typical stereotypes about the Gulf. I hope to use my photography as a way to rewrite misconceptions in the minds and hearts of people.

FACT: You’ve mentioned wanting to put Bahrain on the map through your work. What stories are you most keen to share?
IM: Stories I am keen on revolve around our lifestyle and the various communities in our melting pot of an island. There’s a rich tapestry of experiences to tap into that can be relayed through imagery, as different villages beyond Manama and Muharraq also have their own vivid stories to tell.

FACT: From fashion shoots for high-end brands to cool and quirky local projects, what do you enjoy doing more and which one has been the most fun so far?
IM: I strongly believe in not putting yourself in a box. Why limit yourself when you can experience different things? I tend to enjoy most types of photography, as it engages my imagination and curiosity to create. However, I’d say I gravitate towards street photography because the world becomes your playground for creativity.

FACT: You were recently in Osaka for the inauguration of Bahrain’s national pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. Can you tell us about your involvement in the project?
IM: It was a fun and beautiful commission, where my brother and I were part of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities’ media team. We were tasked to document the Kingdom of Bahrain pavilion, designed by architect Linah Ghotmeh, and create content that would intrigue viewers Seeing how the Japanese visitors engaged with our pavilion was amazing, as their curiosity allowed us to share what our beautiful island has to offer through culture and heritage. The experience was heartwarming – it was something greater in the sense we were all working together towards one goal of sharing our island with the world. ✤

GO: FOLLOW ISHAQ @ISHAQMADAN ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Just For Fun

FACT: What’s the most unexpected place your camera has taken you?
IM: Iceland, most definitely. An impromptu trip with my friend, Mustafa Al-Bastaki, it was an adventure of a lifetime. I don’t think I would’ve done that if I didn’t have a passion for photography.

FACT: If you could photograph anyone (dead or alive) in any setting, who would it be and where?
IM: I’m a big Arsenal fan, going all the way back to 1999. I’d say Arsene Wenger at Highbury, London.

FACT: What’s a photo by someone else you wish you had taken?
IM: Lewis Hamilton outside Enzo Ferrari’s home. What a photo that is! So powerful and impactful.

FACT: What’s your favourite time of the day to shoot?
IM: Lately, I have enjoyed the sweet golden hour; it’s simply rich with character as shadows dance around with sunlight.