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Bahraini photographer and philanthropist Ishaq Madan is lending a helping hand this Ramadan to a youth-led international humanitarian NGO that supports vulnerable communities across the MENA region by selling off one of his signature pictures to raise funds.
The 28-year-old living in the UK has teamed up with The Collective Hub to showcase his fundraising image called Tokyo Blues. The photograph is being sold for BD188 and all the proceeds will be donated to Ayadi Relief, which means ‘hands of relief’.
“This Bahrain charity helps support initiatives that provide relief to poverty-stricken countries and also helps with their educational and social needs,” said Ishaq who is pursuing his postgrad studies at England’s Nottingham Trent University (NTU).
People can contact The Collective Hub on Instagram to register their interest.
The self-taught visual story-teller that has been practising the art of photography since 2014 is also preparing for a challenging climb in June to raise funds for the Marie Curie charity which provides care and support to the terminally ill.
He teamed up with Marie Curie UK and Nottingham Trent University 3 Peaks Trip Team to embark on the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’– a journey to the three highest peaks in the UK which are Ben Nevis in Scotland (1,345m), Scafell Pike in England (978m), and Snowdonia (1,085m) in Wales, in around 36 hours or less. The trip is a total estimated distance of 42km and a total ascent of 3,000m.
“I believe in travelling with purpose,” said Ishaq. “A purpose of doing good and helping others wherever you go and stay; it illuminates your self-growth and soul. Isn’t that something worth living for … to touch the lives of others in a positive way? Nonetheless, I love challenges; it’s the best way to learn more about yourself.
“It’s a national event with many organisations and universities taking part to raise funds for charities of their choice; professionals tend to complete the challenge within 24 hours!
“I am fundraising in support of the Marie Curie UK charity which dates back to 1948. The charity is named after the renowned Nobel Prize winning Polish-French physicist Marie Curie who is known for her major contributions to finding treatments for cancer.
“If travel restrictions ease up, we will begin our adventure sometime mid-June. I’ve been preparing myself for this feat by going on daily walks around Nottingham. Being a photographer, it helps motivate me more than usual as it’s only when I am practicing street photography. A win-win situation if you ask me.”
The target for each participant is BD355 or more, and collectively as a team, they aim to achieve more. Every penny will help frontline nurses provide vital care to those in need. At least an hour of service can be provided with only BD10.
Every non-anonymous donor will receive a collection of postcards called the ‘NOTTS Collection’; a one-off series of postcards with photos captured in Nottingham. People can support the campaign by donating via the link in his Instagram bio.
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, Dubai’s Arab Street Vol. 2 and the 46th Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition in 2020. He was also recently commissioned by the Bahrain International Airport to create a piece for the new airport terminal which began operating in January.
What makes his images stand out are his techniques. 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.
For details, follow @ishaqmadan on Instagram and to purchase the photograph visit @the_collectivehub on Instagram.
