In light of the recent cloud of volcanic ash that stymied travel plans throughout Europe, many people might not be feeling so fondly toward the arctic region’s geographic particularities. Here to provide a counterpoint perspective is Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson, a native Icelander and member of the Explorers Club who has worked as a photographer for more than thirty years. In 1985 Sigurdsson established Arctic-Images, a studio and graphic-work firm that pioneered the use of digital equipment in Iceland. His incredible ARCTIC IMAGES collection of photographs captures the awe-inspiring span of natural forms found in the arctic.
     Occasionally reminiscent of the best CGI in recent science fiction and fantasy films, the bizarre and magnificent landscapes captured by Sigurdsson provide a humbling view of our planet: what human forms and structures appear in his photographs are shadowed in comparison to the expansive arctic sky, looming glaciers, mountain ranges and volcanic eruptions. The collection should remind those frustrated travelers that while we were all grounded under fluorescent airport lighting, the cause for the worldwide travel snarl was, in fact, simply and stunningly beautiful: Sigurdsson, as ever, was there to capture it for us.