Ünal Anaç

I was born in Demircili Village of Tekirdağ in 1967. After my primary school education, my boarding school adventure started. I completed my high school education at Edirne High School between 1980-1983. In 1984, I started to study engineering at Yıldız Technical University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. During my education, my amateur painting works continued.
I completed my 34 years in the profession by staying in Istanbul. I am currently working as a manager in an international company.

The COVID-19 disease, which started in China in January 2020, and on March 11, 2020, when the first case was seen in our country, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that it is an epidemic disease, a pandemic that will threaten the human race and cause high numbers of deaths. The measures and restrictions taken in the fight that started with the epidemic negatively affected our daily life and mental health.

During the period of social isolation, “the feeling of imprisonment has shown that reduced social and physical contact with others causes distress, frustration, and feelings of isolation from others. The length of the quarantine period of 15 days, the fear of contamination for himself and his relatives, insufficient supply of basic needs; reasons such as the lack of clarity of information provided by health and government officials are just a few of the stressors during the quarantine period. Cycling and painting in stressful and difficult times reduced the negative impact of the epidemic on me.

It gives me incredible pleasure to ride a bicycle in the new normal time and to tour the historical streets of the city from the old times. Cycling is a lifesaver in cities with heavy traffic. I think that the best solution is to reach the points that I have difficulty in reaching by car, by bicycle. There is no parking problem, no fuel problem, no environmental pollution, no vehicle tax payment, so I save money on my expenses. I have a healthier body and heart health. Participating in bicycle tour organizations with large groups, as well as getting to know new places; It also brings the pleasure of group riding on a bicycle.

We can't see the movement and details of the streets as we come and go by car. I photograph the buildings that interest me while I am riding my bike, and I use them as the subject of my painting works. Every building has an identity. Its facade reflects this identity. It is very enjoyable to work with watercolors on the facades of buildings.
I love dealing with painting. It gives me incredible rest and when I finish the work I started, I realize that I am completely alone with myself. I think it creates a kind of meditation, relaxation and purification effect.

Short of the long article; I say, "One must have hobbies that one will pursue with great passion".

Stay well.
Unal Anac
June 2021/Istanbul