The Liminal Space

THE LIMINAL SPACE – aims to propel the viewer into a parallel world – a space of otherness that is identifiable but unfamiliar. This exhibition explores the anthropological concept of liminal through space and time and how these intangible states of in-betweeness fluctuate and mutate. Berman contemporary is pleased to present a dynamic group of artists that explore these notions of liminality:

Amogelang Maepa, Chrisél Attewell, Gina van der Ploeg, Natalie de Morney, Nomfundo Mkhize, Odette Graskie, Robyn Denny, Stefan Blom, Thokozani Mthiyane and Tré Mkhabela.

It is important to define the word liminal to grasp an understanding of the concept; the word derives from the Latin word līmen, meaning “a threshold”. This can be a space, a moment in time, a situation or an event that ultimately leaves us in the middle of a crossroad of uncertainty and unrest. In other words, it becomes a waiting space.

Liminal – as a transitional space, is a phenomenon that we can all resonate with since the COVID-19 global pandemic which shook us from our habitual lives. Since the beginning of lockdown, 16 months ago, we have been in a state of unrest and uncertainty – a space with no beginning and no end – the ‘in-between’.

This long road of ambiguity has led to desperation and a cry for help in many individuals, such as the civil unrest that South Africa has just bared witness to. These spaces of liminality are not only affecting our social and cultural lives, but also affecting our psychological existence, leaving us in a limbo between one stage of life and the next.

The artists reveal a variety of liminal spaces, which contend to their own periods of change and experiences, which is expressed through their own individual mediums and concepts. The exhibiting artists have brought forward; sculptural interventions and installations as well as imagery in the form of photographs, paintings, and drawings.  It also brings attention to how artistic creations have been somewhat hindered by an invisible boundary, due to the COVID-19 protocols, which changes not only the formal functions and qualities of a piece but further human interaction. However, this does not mean that we can not engage, if anything it can only allow for one to reimagine and redefine the way we look at art. THE LIMINAL SPACE is an exhibition that aims to offer a place where one can observe the philosophies that the artists have presented while simultaneously reflecting in one’s liminality. While some themes will be relatable, others will be obscure, ultimately constructing a liminal space for the viewer.

THE LIMINAL SPACE, can be used as a tool to effectively pause time and reflect on these transformational periods. This reflection opens new avenues of perceptions; where one might feel the uncertainties of the present and future, others might try to use the liminal space to reimagine new, positive realities. After all, we are all in some way transitioning and evolving independently and collectively, through this period of time.

While liminal space is the conceptual thread of this exhibition, there are many underlying visual stories that offer a space for reflection and promote engagement with the artworks in different ways; to allow for moments of transition, discussion, and hopefully change. Collectively, we are in the in-between of altering perspectives, routines, social, cultural and environmental situations and now in a position to act; a transformational period to suggest change. These narratives visualised by these artists open new doors as well as new ways of seeing and aims to encourage the paradoxical feelings and ideas of the liminal space.