Why Liminal Spaces?

Have you ever found yourself wandering through an empty hallway, feeling a strange mix of nostalgia and unease? That sensation, my friends, is what we call a liminal space. But wait, what is a liminal space? And why do they leave us feeling so unsettled?

I am drawn to that nostalgic eerieness - maybe because I am a child of the ’90s (and let’s be honest, things like the original Chuck E. Cheese are pretty creepy). But I think it is helpful when looking at my art, it is important to understand what they are, why they impact us, and why they are becoming popular.

Let’s dive into the surreal world of liminal spaces, their impact on our psyche, and how they’re depicted in popular media like the hit TV show Severance.

What Are Liminal Spaces?

At its core, a liminal space is a transitional area, a threshold between two distinct places or states of being. Think of an empty airport terminal at 3 AM, a deserted shopping mall, or a dimly lit stairwell that seems to stretch on forever. These surreal spaces can evoke feelings of both comfort and dread—it's like standing on the edge of a dream and reality.

Liminal spaces are often characterized by their eerie aesthetic. They’re places that feel familiar yet foreign, mundane yet strange. The lack of people, the odd lighting, and the almost sterile environment contribute to an unsettling atmosphere. You know that feeling when you enter an abandoned place? It’s like time has stopped, and you’re caught between the past and the present.

Why Do Liminal Spaces Impact Us?

So why are liminal spaces so impactful? It all comes down to our innate human responses to our surroundings. Liminal spaces tap into our subconscious fears and anxieties. When we're in an empty or abandoned place, our minds start to race. We wonder about the stories behind those spaces, the people who once occupied them, and what might be lurking just out of sight.

Psychologically, there’s something unsettling about being in a space that should be bustling with life but is instead eerily quiet. It forces us to confront our own feelings of isolation and uncertainty. Liminal spaces can trigger memories, emotions, or even existential thoughts about our journey through life—where we’ve been and where we’re going.

When we encounter these environments, we may ask ourselves: Are liminal spaces scary? For many, the answer is yes.

The combination of emptiness and the unknown can provoke a visceral reaction, making us question our safety and the nature of reality.

The Backrooms: A Deep Dive

One of the most fascinating aspects of liminal spaces is their representation in internet culture, particularly through the concept of the Backrooms. Legend has it that if you accidentally "noclip" out of reality, you might find yourself in an endless series of yellow-tinted rooms, buzzing fluorescent lights, and damp carpets—essentially a liminal space gone awry.

The Backrooms embody everything unsettling about liminal spaces: they’re vast, empty, and eerily disorienting. The idea that one could become trapped in such a place resonates with our fears of losing touch with reality, making it a chilling concept that has captured the imagination of many.

Liminal Spaces in Popular Media

Now, let’s talk about how liminal spaces play a prominent role in popular media, particularly in shows like Severance. This series brilliantly uses the concept of liminal spaces to explore themes of identity, work-life balance, and the human experience.

In Severance, the characters undergo a procedure that separates their work memories from their personal lives, creating a surreal and liminal existence. The office spaces in the show are devoid of warmth and character, emphasizing the unsettling feeling of being trapped in a soulless environment. The sterile, empty places reflect the characters’ internal struggles, showcasing the psychological impact of such a disjointed reality.

The eerie aesthetic of the show amplifies the tension and anxiety associated with liminal spaces. As viewers, we’re drawn into this world that feels both familiar and bizarre, forcing us to confront our own perceptions of work, identity, and the spaces we inhabit.

The Power of Liminal Spaces

Liminal spaces serve as a powerful reminder of the complexities of our human experience. They hold a mirror to our fears, our memories, and our desires. The next time you find yourself in an empty place, take a moment to embrace the feelings that arise. Instead of rushing to escape, consider the stories that linger in those spaces, both yours and those of others.

Whether it's the unsettling emptiness of a deserted mall or the hauntingly surreal ambiance of a lonely highway under the moonlight, liminal spaces challenge us to reflect on our own journeys. They invite us to explore the in-between, the thresholds that define our lives.