bahrainthismonth.com | JUNE 2025 INTERVIEW 56 Through His Lens The cover photographer of this issue of Bahrain This Month, Ishaq Madan, shares his passion for storytelling, cultural pride and the power of perspective. With an eye for authenticity and a heart rooted in storytelling, Ishaq Madan brings Bahrain’s essence to life through his lens. What started as a passion to explore the world quickly evolved into a committed craft. Mr. Madan explains: “I believe an innate drive to simply explore the world around me and seek understanding of my place in it is what inspired me to pick up a camera… I never considered it a hobby.” His journey deepened during the pandemic, when he embraced photography full-time and sought to reflect the world around him with sincerity. “By understanding yourself and being true to what is revealed to you as life unfolds, you create an authentic dialogue within the visual story,” he says. Representing Bahrain Abroad One of his standout career moments came with Shabab Al-Mustaqbel – a powerful photograph that was selected by New York’s Museum of Modern Art and displayed across metro stations: “It was so surreal to have work out there on an international stage where thousands saw a piece of Bahrain.” Mr. Madan also represented the Kingdom at Expo Osaka 2025 with the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities: “Seeing people from all over the world and Japan engage in learning about our beloved island and its intricate beauty filled me with a sense of pride.” He recalls the warmth of Japanese attendees who eagerly took photos with him in his traditional thobe and ghutra. Inspirations and Influences When asked about his visual influences, he names Liam Wong, Saul Leiter, Camille Zakharia and Daido Moriyama, but adds: “I tend to create out of love for creating, in doing so, trying different things depending on what I want to convey.” He credits his mother – who raised him singlehandedly – as his greatest source of strength: “She gave us the world despite the challenges. I couldn’t have asked God for a better parent.” Looking ahead, Mr. Madan is currently working on publishing a photobook, though he admits it’s a challenging process. “Slowly, but surely,” he says with optimism. For aspiring photographers, his advice is clear: “Keep creating. Tell stories bahrainthismonth.com Arts | Culture | Motoring | Sports | Interviews | Lifestyle | Dining | Nightlife Digital Edition JUNE 2025 | BD2 / SR20 YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE Since 1997 Issue 334 Father’s Day Eid with Top Chefs that are personal and intimate, as that tenacity is what will drive you forward and shape your vision.” BTM Cover June 2025 Photo credit: @aviewfromnowhere
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==