Abstract

Standing before a threshold can be quite stimulating, both physically and mentally. Confronting the Threshold: Perceptions of a Passageway represents liminal spaces through paintings and drawings of doors. People often pass through these margins focusing only on their destination. Marginal spaces or thresholds are known as “liminal spaces” and can be difficult to recognize, as they are undefined territory. These short, transitional passes are incredibly significant, as stimulating thoughts occur during the passageway from one space to another. This could be a place where someone is leaving their past behind, eager to find a new beginning. This could be the waiting room, awaiting the next milestone, or an upcoming event in one’s life. On the other hand, it could be when one is indecisive. It may also be as simple as the process of opening a door and crossing a physical threshold. In addition to the more commonly known physical and anthropological contexts, there are spiritual and psychological transitions. These changes were recognized in ancient Rome regarding Janus, the god of doorways, who is often thought to be the god of beginnings and endings. This research will be represented in a series of paintings and drawings: the paintings depict life-size doors; the drawings provide details of door knobs, door handles and other elements. Doorways are excellent physical representations of liminal spaces, and like most liminal spaces, doors are often overlooked. The artworks of Rene Magritte and Andrew Wyeth were influential in the creation of this series due to their comparable styles, subjects, and concepts. Confronting the Threshold signifies transitional zones, providing an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and significance of transitions.

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