Jonathan Parnham’s Glacial Terrains and Mountain Peaks exhibition, which opened in the Mount House Gallery on Friday September 12th, offers a powerful visual journey through the rugged landscapes of Switzerland and Iceland. The room is divided into two halves, with one side dedicated to Switzerland and the other to Iceland, which allows you to immerse yourself in the two similar yet distant worlds and to compare them, resulting in an evocative experience.
In the Swiss section, Mr Parnham’s work captures the raw, imposing beauty of the Alps. His expressive brushstrokes create a sense of physicality in the landscapes, where contrast and bold colour choices are used to evoke both turbulence and tranquillity. In one of his paintings in this section, the clouds are captured as physical entities in themselves, weaving between the rugged peaks. He renders a duality in the landscape through reflection, bringing sensory depth into the works. The overall effect is harmony, moving from the chaos and drama of the rough detail and sparse brushwork when viewed closely, that becomes a beautiful melody with a step back, where the viewer can feel the pulse of the natural world.
The second half of the exhibition, focused on Iceland, presents a shift in mood while maintaining the artist’s signature style. Darker tones dominate the Icelandic landscapes, with fiery oranges contrasting against icy whites and blacks; some of his paintings depicting volcanic eruptions evoke awe and fear in the viewer, a sort of cerebral conversation as he captures this dramatic event. There is also a larger focus on dramatic cloud formations and colours in the sky like artworks in themselves. Despite the slightly darker palette, Parnham’s work remains dynamic—there is a sense that the land is constantly shifting, alive with energy. His monoprint on display captures the Sólheimajokull Glacier’s ‘fractured majesty’ effortlessly and dramatically. Furthermore, in the cabinet he masterfully presents natural formations often called ‘Dirt-cones’ which were then covered in ash consistently since the Katla eruption in 1918, through dynamic sketches and paintings. Author Robert Macfarlane has described the Ash cones as ‘both a relic and archive of a desperate year in Iceland 1918, when the island was triply stricken by volcanic eruptions, Spanish flu and the winter of the great frost. Glaciers remember they’re vast storage devices and the colours of their memories are silver, blue and fire black.’ A quote he included in his description of the work in the cabinet which reflects it well.
What stands out across the exhibition is the movement inherent in each composition. Even in the stillness of a mountain peak or a glacier, there’s an undeniable sense of life—of nature constantly in flux. Parnham’s bold use of colour and texture allows viewers to engage with the landscapes on a deeper level. The works invite us not just to observe, but to feel the land’s rhythm and evolution. It is a true celebration of the beauty and power of these landscapes.
Glacial Terrains and Mountain Peaks is a stunning exploration of place, texture, and energy through the exploration of two worlds. Parnham’s ability to merge roughness with beauty offers a compelling reflection on the landscapes that inspire him, making each piece a visceral experience that lingers long after the viewer steps away.
Review by Ava H, Art Scholar
