Aynur Tıkıroğlu & Hicret Ayaz İpek 

 LIMINAL SPACE 

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As the function and meaning of vital spaces changed with the pandemic, we were oriented towards reproducing liminal spaces -those we occasionally used to frequent- through our own interpretation. The word ‘liminal’ stems from ‘limen’, Latin word for ‘threshold’. The space between familiar spaces we feel comfortable in and those outside of our comfort zone are called liminal spaces - just like the step before entering a new territory or a next level. The most important aspect of liminal spaces is that they make people feel somewhat unwell. They feel familiar as much as they are in limbo. They cannot be known. They are a kind of purgatorial spaces - physically they are embodied in places such as airports, train stations, underpasses, hotel hallways or staircases. One feels uncomfortable in these spaces if they were to spend time a little longer than usual. 

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Then, of course, there are liminal spaces independent from the place, like that of the pandemic era - stalling, with no end in sight. As the conflict between the definition and function of places became more apparent, our habitat has also become conflicted and drifted into a place of uncertainty, which made people re-search for what is normal. Our feelings, on the other hand, had their fair share from setting and crossing boundaries.  

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Although liminal spaces are quite diverse within themselves, within the scope of ‘Değiş Tokuş’, we decided to focus on and photograph Basmane Train Station in İzmir, ‘abbaras’ in Mardin and their environs. Then, we exchanged the photographs, and -as two artists who practice painting- preferred to interpret the uncertainty, fluidity, porousness, conflict, and reconciliation through our own techniques. Interpreting the apparent inbetweenness from the photos of liminal spaces taken in our cities, unbeknownst to each other. This practice not only moved us but also pushed the limits of our perception. 

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These days, as we are moving from one state of being to another, don’t you also feel like you are at a ‘threshold’? As we are reminiscing about the past, we are crossing over the threshold of no return. During a time when it’s not possible to go back in time or see the future clearly, we invite you to see the world through the thresholds of our interpretation!

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PROJECT TEAM: AYNUR TIKIROĞLU (İZMİR) & HİCRET AYAZ İPEK (MARDİN)