That old fape magic Fape, short for functional art and practical electronics, is a term coined to describe the growing trend of blending art and technology. It refers to the creation of aesthetically pleasing and functional objects or installations that incorporate electronic components and innovative design. The magic of fape lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate technology into everyday objects in a way that is both visually appealing and functional. The fusion of art and technology creates a sense of wonder and fascination, transforming ordinary objects into something extraordinary. One of the key aspects of fape is the use of interactive elements. These objects or installations often incorporate sensors and other electronic components that respond to human touch or movement.
Q: Why did you choose the Cape?
A: For some time I’ve been fascinated with the idea of "a finer place" (see Lucy Lynch and Bobby Marconi in Bridge of Sighs). I’m talking about both fiction and real life. Why do people believe that happiness is more likely to find you in one place than another? It has something with what you can and can’t afford, what you think you’ll one day be able to swing if things go well. Except that even when they go well, you discover it’s still unaffordable, which gives the desired place a magical quality. The faster you run toward it, the faster it runs away from you. I chose the Cape because it’s always been expensive and just keeps getting more so, but it could have been any number of similar places. For Griffin’s parents, two academics, a house on the Cape would have always been just beyond their reach. One of their many dubious genetic gifts to Griffin is a sense that happiness is always on the horizon, never where you’re standing. Very American, I think.
A It probably won t surprise readers to discover that both my daughters were married during the time I was writing this book, which, if it does well, will pay for their weddings. And when, a year later, a far more important wedding takes place, their beloved Laura s, on the coast of Maine, Griffin s chauffeuring two urns of ashes as he contends once more with Joy and her large, unruly family, and both he and she have brought dates along.
These objects or installations often incorporate sensors and other electronic components that respond to human touch or movement. This interaction enhances the user experience, adding a layer of engagement and immersion to the artwork. Fape can be found in various forms, ranging from sculptures and installations to wearable art and even functional furniture.
That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo
A t 57 and facing his "middle-aged meltdown", Jack Griffin, the "congenitally unhappy" hero of That Old Cape Magic, is a professor of writing at a New England college and an ex-Hollywood screenwriter, bi-coastal traits he shares with author Richard Russo. Russo's 2001 novel Empire Falls won the Pulitzer Prize, but he also has several movie scripts under his belt, so it's not too surprising that the novel is so ready for its close-up. Russo gives his characters lots of sight gags; a farcical rehearsal dinner for Jack's daughter's wedding, which lands half the family in ER; pages of screen-dialogue for key scenes; and even a gallant old slapper girlfriend who asks Jack to write a movie with "a girl like me in it" and cast Susan Sarandon.
Jack blames his embittered view of this "fundamentally crappy world" on his internal struggle between the prosperous hack and the aspiring serious novelist. "Crappy" is also one of the many all-purpose terms of scorn he has inherited from his despised parents, both professors of English with "an unearned sense of entitlement" who could not accept their own academic exile to the "mid-fucking-west" instead of the Ivy League. Cynical Dad was an easy grader who barely noticed his students unless he was seducing them; intellectual snob Mom conscientiously got to know her students well enough to "dislike them as individuals". Both looked down on Jack's chosen career as "writing crappy movies".
The professors Griffin found a brief annual respite on Cape Cod, where they spent "one glorious month, each summer. Sun. Sand. Water. Gin. Followed by 11 months of misery." In the first part of Russo's novel, Jack goes back to the Cape looking for the cottage where he spent a childhood holiday with a perfect family as neighbours, which he is trying to recapture in a short story called "The Summer of the Brownings". But there are signs that this trip is doomed. Jack can't sleep, has quarrelled with his wife, and spends most of the time arguing on his mobile with his mother: old, retired, widowed, but snide as ever. By the second part of the book, Jack's marriage and work are on the rocks, and he is schlepping the ashes of both parents in identical urns, looking for a suitable place to dump them along with the burdens of his past.
Russo gives Jack two good, if over-explicitly named, angels to guide him through the land of lost content: his wife, Joy, who cheerily makes the best of all life's circumstances; and Sunny Kim, the childhood friend of his daughter, Laura, who has always carried a torch for her. At Laura's wedding to another man, Sunny bears his disappointment manfully, counts his blessings as a second-generation Korean-American, and mildly chastises Jack for self-pity. But as Jack realises, rereading his fictional tribute to the Brownings, "the only characters that rang true, felt real" were based on his awful parents. The petulant but hilarious Griffins steal every scene from the estimable but colourless Sunny and Joy.
In one of his tougher-minded novels like Straight Man or Bridge of Sighs, Russo might have let Jack make his peace with his parents by identifying with their relentless irony and self-mocking intelligence. But although Jack thinks he is above the narrative arcs, neat third-act resolutions and happy endings of "a well-constructed screenplay", and although Russo meditates on memory, ageing, inheritance, marriage, desire and the meaning of happiness throughout That Old Cape Magic, Death in Venice it ain't. Instead it's a midlife romcom, written with humour and assurance. And why insist that every novel aspire to tragic disillusion? There's enough of the old Cape magic here to keep most readers entertained until the movie comes out.
Elaine Showalter's A Jury of her Peers is published by Virago. To order That Old Cape Magic for £11.99 with free UK p&p call Guardian book service on 0330 333 6846 or go to theguardian.com/bookshop
That Old Cape Magic might tentatively be described as a dark comedy, full of pointed satire at the bourgeoisie posturing of folks like the elder Griffins. However, the emotional force of the novel lies in Russo's alternation of moments of hilarity with others of deep melancholy and regret. In some ways, That Old Cape Magic attempts a late-life bildungsroman, the coming into wisdom of its near-retirement age protagonist – a span of human experience that is very rarely the focus of novels.
Artists and designers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, experimenting with new materials, techniques, and technologies to create innovative and inspiring pieces. The use of fape is not limited to galleries or museums. It can be found in everyday life, with objects such as lamps, clocks, and household appliances being transformed into works of art through the integration of technology. This trend has gained popularity as people seek to surround themselves with objects that are not only useful but also aesthetically pleasing. In addition to its visual appeal, fape also has practical advantages. The integration of technology into everyday objects can enhance their functionality, adding features and capabilities that make them more useful and convenient. For example, a table with built-in wireless charging capabilities or a mirror that displays the weather forecast are just a few examples of the practical applications of fape. In conclusion, fape represents the magic that happens when art and technology come together. It is a creative and innovative trend that transforms ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art. The fusion of aesthetics and functionality creates a sense of wonder and fascination, enriching our everyday lives. Whether in galleries, museums, or our own homes, fape has the power to captivate and inspire us..
Reviews for "The Fape Revolution: Redefining What it Means to Be an Artist in the Modern World"
- Jane - ⭐⭐ - I have to say, I was very disappointed with "That old fape magic". The story felt disjointed and the characters lacked depth. It seemed like the author was trying to cram too many ideas into one book, and as a result, the plot was hard to follow. The writing itself wasn't engaging either, and I found myself struggling to stay interested. Overall, I would not recommend this book.
- Mark - ⭐ - I found "That old fape magic" to be quite boring. The pacing was slow, and the story seemed to drag on without any real purpose. The characters were uninteresting and lacked development, and I couldn't find myself rooting for any of them. The dialogue was also stilted and felt forced. I was hoping for an exciting fantasy adventure, but unfortunately, this book did not deliver.
- Sarah - ⭐⭐⭐ - While "That old fape magic" had an interesting premise, I felt that the execution fell flat. The world-building was inconsistent, and the magic system was poorly explained. It felt like the author wanted to create a unique and intricate fantasy world, but failed to fully flesh it out. The pacing was also off, with too much time spent on irrelevant details and not enough on advancing the plot. I appreciate the effort, but ultimately, this book wasn't for me.
- Michael - ⭐⭐ - I had high hopes for "That old fape magic" but was ultimately let down. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them. The plot was predictable and lacked originality, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. The writing style was also unremarkable, with cliched descriptions and uninspired dialogue. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this book and would not recommend it.