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On places that feel bizarrely nostalgic and sinister
The word liminal comes from the Latin word ‘limen’ meaning threshold, the space between one thing and the next, a place of transition. Liminality is the sense of disorientation and awkwardness created by a transitional space.
The word liminal comes from the Latin word ‘limen’ meaning threshold, the space between one thing and the next, a place of transition. Liminality is the sense of disorientation and awkwardness created by a transitional space.
While this may sound very vague without context, it’s easier to understand when shown images of what a transitional space is. Liminal/transitional spaces can differ a lot from eachother, as you might expect from such a vague definition and vary a lot.
Probably the most famous example of a liminal space is one called “The Backrooms”, which garnered online attention when someone on 4chan uploaded the picture inviting other users to share “disquieting images” that just feel “off”.
At first glance it’s hard to tell what exactly creates this eeriness as there’s nothing specific about it that gives off this feeling.
From here on, images of liminal spaces have become more widespread on the internet on many image boards and other scoial media like youtube where people all over the world claim that they recognize these places even though they’ve never actually been to them.
However, some people say that they feel nothing at all towards some of these images. Places you might think feel awkward and sinister might unfaze others. Why?
Liminality is closely related to your memories and your subconscious. I believe the reason for the sense of nostalgia is because these places, while not being the same as those you might’ve seen in your childhood are at least very similar and share a lot of the same features.
Many images of liminal spaces are just isolated areas of public spaces or people’s homes that could be anywhere, so it’s not surprising that many feel like they've seen them before.
Obviously not everyone has the same memories so not every image of a liminal space might give you these feelings.
Now, the most interesting part of liminal spaces in my opinion is how they can feel nostalgic and yet slightly sinister at the same time. I believe the reason for this has to do with the context of these places.
Most of these places you’d expect to be bustling with people. It’s the context your mind puts places in that makes you think that they’re not supposed to be empty like they appear In these pictures.
An empty mall is of course uncanny as you’ve been essentially programmed your whole life to thinking it should be full of people shopping. It’s only when these places are put out of context that they become bizarre and sinister.
The word to describe this is Kenopsia: the eeriness of places left behind. Like these places were full of people and that they all suddenly disappeared and left everything in place.
We see a lot of Liminality in our media, especially in art. The works of Jeffrey Smart and Edward Hopper stand out particularly, the way they use composition to make these places feel awkward and bizarre, along with the tones they paint with.
Anyway I hope you guys find it as interesting as I do, it's a concept I find fascinating and quite inspiring as someone who is interested in visuals and art myself.
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