Gülçin Anmaç

Miniaturist

The bright and complex art of miniature painting

Gülçin studied under some of Türkiye's most notable miniature painting masters
Her works strive to protect and uphold a traditional art from the Ottoman era
She works with watercolour, gold, gouache and ink on traditional Murakka paper

Art was always an innate passion for Gülçin Anmaç who graduated from Istanbul University’s Department of Anthropology. Her discovery of Turkish miniature painting during her undergraduate years cemented her resolve to pursue this traditional art form, researching and working alongside some of the country’s most important masters. “I chose miniature painting because I love it and because it is the sole art form through which I can express myself most beautifully and thoroughly. I also chose to teach miniatures because I believe its deep roots and rich cultural heritage need to be preserved and transferred to future generations,” says Gülçin. The artist opened her own atelier in 2014, after painting from home for many years in addition to her day job. Using traditional Murakka paper, Gülçin is inspired by Istanbul, as well as the world of flora and fauna, legends and symbols, historic events and myths.

Interview

How would you define what you do?: I strive to continue an art form that belongs to the land I live in and has been present for so many centuries. I also aim to teach it to future generations, applying it in the best way possible and trying to improve it constantly.
What do you love most about your profession?: I am an avid admirer of miniature art. What I love most is how miniatures affect everyone differently, due to the limited perspective, fairytale-like aesthetics in bold colours, minute details, and finely crafted patterns. I love decrypting miniature paintings with all their codes, rules and techniques, and using them in my own art.
Is there an unexpected side to your craft?: I am someone who both shares and teaches all the techniques I have created and developed. I consider this to be very important for the continuation of art. I share what I know and what materials I use, without hiding my knowledge. My original ideas and different designs are completely personal.
What was a memorable moment in your professional life?: When I began sharing my work online, I was fascinated to find that it inspired others. On a chance encounter, I met a person who had been moved to write a poem after seeing one of my miniature paintings. It made me realise that a work made with emotion touches the hearts of so many, and belongs to everyone who connects to it. I now regularly experience the positive impact of art, and this is one of the reasons why I continue to paint.

Gülçin Anmaç is a master artisan: she began her career in 1995 and she started teaching in 2014