Anthropologist Arnold van Gennep introduced the concept of liminality in his work on rites of passage, describing it as the middle stage of rituals where individuals are no longer in their previous state but have not yet achieved their new status.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold_van_Gennep

the metaphysical liminal space refers to periods of transition in life, identity, or psychological states. Examples include:

- Adolescence, the transition between childhood and adulthood

- The phase between sleep and wakefulness

- Times of major life changes, such as moving to a new city, changing careers, or undergoing significant personal transformations

physical locations serve as transitions between different areas or states. Examples include:

- Hallways and corridors

- Waiting rooms

- Airports and train stations

- Empty parking lots

- Abandoned buildings

These spaces are often characterized by their eerie, surreal, and sometimes unsettling atmosphere. They are not destinations themselves but serve as passageways or temporary stops.

It's weird to think about how we used to feel about technology back in those days.

This song paired with this video really conveys the sadness that I feel about it now.

System Focus by Internet Club

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkcAJbOP7Cg

Not everyone is aware that slapping a waifu on some grid lines is not objectively vaporwave, but we won't talk about that.

Ancient Greek and Roman statues, architecture, and busts are frequently used, juxtaposed with modern digital elements.

Palm trees, beaches, and tropical drinks are frequently depicted, adding to the escapist, utopian feel.

a e s t h e t i c

Images of CRT monitors, early Macintosh computers, floppy disks, and other obsolete tech are common.

The aesthetic oscillates between idealized, utopian visions of the past and dystopian, decaying representations of the future.

Outrun, also known as synthwave, is another aesthetic that overlaps with vaporwave. Both share neon colors and retro-futuristic elements, but outrun is more focused on high-energy, 1980s-inspired car culture and synth music, often featuring sleek sports cars and nighttime cityscapes.

Vaporwave often critiques consumer culture by repurposing commercial imagery and advertising slogans.

Vaporwave explores the blurring lines between reality and virtuality, often creating a sense of disconnection or artificiality.

Influences from Japanese pop culture, anime, and consumer products are prevalent. It is common to create collages from various digital resources such as old computer assets, memes, and other internet artifacts. There is often an underlying sense of melancholy or irony, reflecting on the ephemeral nature of trends and the passage of time.

Images often blend elements of reality and fantasy, creating dreamlike or disorienting scenes. There is a heavy emphasis on retro technology and media, such as old computer interfaces, VHS tapes, and early 3D graphics.