An Introduction

When considering the premise of this nascent column, the words of Anton Ego (voiced by Peter O’Toole) in the superlative Pixar film Ratatouille came to mind. Forming part of the climax, Ego, the film’s antagonist as a deeply demanding and acerbic critic, delivers a thoughtful and transformative review of Remy the rat’s cooking. Context aside, it is his opening remarks on the position and value of a critic that has lasting value, and which I wish to quote here:

“In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment.”
 
Without necessary denigrating critics, as someone who himself is an artistic performer, there is no wish for this column to be one of criticism. Rather, the core of the writing stems from a particular opera, concert, novel, exhibition, or other such form of culture that the columnist has experienced each week. The art then stimulates a wider, perhaps more philosophical, discussion.
 
In essence, this column seeks to investigate both enduring and new relationships that are generated by one’s interaction with artistic endeavours, whilst linking them to the vagaries of our present existence.
 
Whilst this column does not seek to propagate notions of cultural relativism, thus acknowledging the merits of certain forms of art located in their specific community, contextual creation and suchlike, it is noted from the beginning that the author’s artistic preferences lean towards those of classical music & jazz, literature (fiction & non-fiction), film (cinema & television), and visual art. This list is by no means exhaustive, but merely sets out the broad parameters of the work examined.
 
This column has been inspired by the writings of James Marriott (The Times) and Matthew Syed (The Sunday Times) wherein they seek to draw together external strands of their own personal interests (books in the case of Mr. Marriott, sports & data science in the case of Mr. Syed), and bring this to fruit on a matter that has affected them that particular week in a certain manner.
 
Beyond what has been noted to date, to place any further restrictions on this column’s style, purpose, scope or trajectory would be unduly burdensome.