A liminal space is defined as the space and time between the ‘what was’ and the ‘what is next’. The space is usually a transitional place where what is happening in one’s life outweighs the scenery. People are too busy talking to their friends, working or doing something important. So, they do not give the space a second thought, because the space is boring and there is nothing interesting to look at. The art of liminal spaces are to bring that forgotten scenery into view.
Liminal spaces are continuously found in areas with lots of people; hallways, airports, alleyways, classrooms, banquet halls, etc. The feeling of staying after school for a long time and seeing all the dark hallways is precisely defined as the emotion a liminal space can give. The feeling of emptiness when staying overnight in an empty airport is another example. When Times Square was empty during the early COVID-19 season, the emptiness felt was another.
Liminal spaces also have a way of evoking memories that one may not remember. If one searches up “liminal spaces” on Google, the first images one finds will feature party rooms, laser tag places and hotel lobbies. Places where fun times were once experienced, that are now left empty and dark. It is a weirdly empty, but comfortable feeling of nostalgia. Even if one has never been to that exact place, they still have those memories and emotions because the image acts as a reminder of them.
The interest in liminal spaces has exploded in recent years following the pandemic. With more people
working from home or choosing to stay, more places that used to be crowded are left empty. As ‘Generation Z’ begins growing older, this aesthetic has grown, especially on social media. As a whole, Gen Z is more nostalgic than any other generation, and liminal spaces are a way to remember the ‘good old days.’ Finding liminal spaces is allso incredibly easy; go somewhere that is usually busy when it is empty, and enjoy.
As a whole, liminal spaces are a way to engage in the memories of childhood that are not directly remembered. The dark emptiness combined with the places meant to have fun bring a bittersweet emotion that is difficult to describe, but worth feeling every once in a while.
More examples of liminal spaces are in the photo gallery below.
