Liminal Spaces

For some, the word "liminal space" doesn't ring a bell, while for others, it immediately conjures up certain distinctive visuals. Readers who are familiar with the concept know exactly what I'm talking about; these spots definitely have their own hypnotic nature and strange settings. At times, they are associated with a relaxing and familiar feeling, yet they can also be a bit disturbing.

What is liminal space?

Liminal space literally means "in-between" or "space in transition." Mostly, these are places that were once used, then lost their function and now stand alone, or places that were built, never fulfilled their role, and are in a long-awaiting state. An abandoned school, an empty subway station at midnight, or an old playground can be given as an example.

We can say that liminal spaces are at that point where one thing ends and something else begins, I assume.

So why do they attract us?

Most people who have been to these places or just seen images of them think the same thing: Why am I even drawn here?

As I mentioned in the beginning, for some it is a source of deep peace and nostalgia, while for others it creates a suffocating and slightly uncomfortable atmosphere. I believe that the reason for these two opposite thoughts is directly related to one's own subconscious and life experiences.

That familiar feeling

These areas can magically touch somewhere in the most dusty and forgotten parts of our memories. They evoke a feeling that we don't even know where we remember it from and make slight references to our memories from years gone by.

Dreamlike atmosphere

Liminal spaces are also reminiscent of the abstract places we inhabit in our dreams or nightmares. Even if it resembles a familiar place, the details never quite fit, always blurred, like those realms we visit when we sleep, shrouded in never-ending mist. Indeed, this creates an emotional impact on the individual, whether good or bad.

Aesthetic perception

Minimalism, minimalism, minimalism.

There is no denying that one of the most striking features of these abandoned corners is their simple and minimalist aesthetic. They certainly offer a visually stunning and distinctive experience as well as can be an incredibly valuable source of inspiration, especially for artists and photographers.

Lately, the concept has become quite common, especially on the internet (e.g., the Backrooms phenomenon), and they are getting more recognition day by day. While they might feel disturbingly familiar, these spaces surely open a door to inner questioning.

Image Links:

1. Photo by Алексей Гвоздев: https://www.pexels.com/photo/heavy-mist-on-empty-roads-8858572/

2. Photo by Hector Portillo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/eerie-nighttime-car-wash-in-pedro-meoqui-28727669/

3. Photo by Tobi: https://www.pexels.com/photo/3369190/

5. Photo, "Liminal Space" by dmuth is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/2.0/?ref=openverse.