“Close Your Eyes, Heal in a Parallel World” is a body of work exploring the relationship between the human spirit and the natural world. Rooted in moments of personal reflection, the series draws inspiration from the ephemeral transition before sunrise, when darkness surrenders to the soft, bluish light of dawn. This fleeting moment, filled with quiet promise and subtle transformation, becomes a portal: a threshold between stillness and movement, between hardship and renewal.
Standing in nature with my eyes closed, I feel its rhythms—the hush of rivers, the rustle of wind, the resilience of trees, the smell of damp earth and fallen leaves, the distant call of birds, the crackle of dry twigs beneath my feet, the flutter of wings just beyond my sight, and the purity of air—gently pulling me into alignment with something greater than myself. In this harmony of sound, scent, texture, and light, a sacred alignment begins to form within me. Nature, without effort or intention, invites me back to myself.
Through this work, I seek to capture the healing power that lies in these moments of connection. In a world increasingly marked by disconnection and pressure, I invite viewers to pause, to breathe, and to imagine a parallel world where nature offers refuge and restoration. Like a nurturing presence, nature embraces those who seek solace; not by erasing pain, but by holding space for transformation.”
- Firouzeh Saremi Far
Firouzeh Saremi Far is is a visual artist based in Toronto, Canada. Her artistic practice is an ongoing exploration of the intersections between human experience and environmental influences, reflecting different themes of identity, transformation, and resilience. Drawing inspiration from the emotional intensity of Expressionism and the limitless forms of Abstract Art, her works seek to invoke a dialogue on human matters. Her goal is to create art that not only occupies space but also serves as a catalyst for reflection and engagement, encouraging viewers to consider their connection to the world and the impact of their presence within it.
Firouzeh is a recipient of the Akin Career Launcher Award. The Akin Career Launcher Award is a career-support opportunity for graduating students in Drawing & Painting, Integrated Media, Indigenous Visual Studies, Cross-Disciplinary Art: Life Studies, and Sculpture & Installation at OCAD University. Offered in partnership with Akin, the award is facilitated by OCAD U’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers.