Ali Mirzaiee is among scores of Middle Eastern artists who took refuge in Turkey during the recent political and social unrest in the region. While Turkish art is enjoying a “brain gain” in the post-Arab Spring era, refugee artists like Ali sometimes feel perplexed in Turkey, which has its own paradoxes.
Originally from Esfahan, the Iranian painter had to flee his country for political reasons and lives in Izmir now. His works are being featured in an exhibition by Galeri Park Art Istanbul running from July 5 to Aug. 31.