Liminal Space

Liminal Space is an aesthetic that refers to the feeling of being in a transitional space that has been abandoned - a mall at 4 am or a school hallway in summer, for example. This makes it feel frozen and slightly unsettling.

Concept

True to its etymology ("liminal" is derived from the Latin word limen, meaning "threshold"), the concept of a liminal space classically encompasses physical spaces that, due to their function, are transitional - hallways, waiting rooms, parking lots and rest stops are the archetypical examples of such places. Liminal space aesthetics relate to the unique and combined feeling of eeriness, nostalgia, and apprehension one gets when presented with such places outside of their designed context. Most notably, their function as intermediary points between origin and destination. For instance, an empty stairwell or hospital corridor at night might appear as sinister or uncanny because these places are usually brimming with life and movement. Therefore, the absence of external stimuli (such as conversations, people moving around, or any kind of dynamism) creates an otherworldly and forlorn atmosphere.

While this definition is the closest to the usual, academic meaning of liminality, it should be noted that liminal space aesthetics have recently expanded in scope to include images of places that are simply nostalgic, dreamlike, and/or uncanny, to the point where the only remaining common trait across these ramifications is the striking absence of people. While this diversity waters down the definition of a "liminal space" by quite a lot, it also explains the memetic status of physical liminality by linking its mysterious allure to the childhood memories and aesthetics of its fans, usually by invoking the cultural memory of the Millenial/Z generations. At this point, the strong link between liminal spaces and Traumacore, Hauntology, or other related aesthetics becomes apparent.

Liminal space aesthetics also have a significant overlap with those of After Hours, since both explore the atmosphere of vacant spaces - which are easier to find during night time. But while the After Hours aesthetic plays with feelings of peacefulness and a tranquil mindset, liminal spaces have a more unsettling appeal.

Visual

Liminal Space aesthetics consists of any room, corridor, or hallway that is big and empty, yet carries an eerie and unsettling vibe with it (this part is key in separating the Liminal Space aesthetic from just a regular photo of an empty room/corridor/hallway. This effect can be achieved with photo edits (Vaporwave, Acidwave, and Glitch, in particular, can assist in this effect), simple lighting tricks, or just capturing the mood at the right time of day.

Some edits of Liminal Space can give the effect of being in a retro horror or RPG video game (as popularized by YouTuber/Instagramer YOURLOCALBREADMAN) which can tap into either the uncomfortable, the surreal, or could just go full-on Lovecraftian with some of the design choices made in these style of video edits. Empty game servers and maps, mainly those presenting old-fashioned graphics like GMod, Team Fortress, and early CoD instalments, have also been described as liminal.