I AM ONE OF THE LAST DREGS FROM THAT HISTORY.
The Mall. That’s what it is or what it was.
2nd Floor Reflection, 2021
Before the online world had become the most prevalent plane of existence for entertainment, socializing, and shopping, there existed a mysterious, yet quite familiar place to most people today. This place can evoke feelings of nostalgia even in its haters, and in those who were born at a time recently when seeing them in desolation is the norm.
Empty New York Company, 2021
I remember the Mall being more than just a place to go shop for the latest trends. It was capitalist society’s greatest commodity by design.
It introduced entertainment, commerce, and jobs to the growing youth of society: whether it was through meeting up with friends; impressing your crush; watching films; trying on clothes or shoes; working days and nights to save up for that field trip; trading in video games to get another game; or betting your luck at the arcade, the Mall was the place to be if you wanted to be something, socialize somewhere other than school, or learn about what was out there in the “world”.
I know that it may be an exaggeration to write as if these facilities don’t exist anymore, however, I do feel the need to address that something has been taken away from modern society when it comes to shopping at the Mall. If this wasn’t so there wouldn’t be so many urbex documentaries about them being dead. And there also wouldn’t be underground music genres like vaporwave and mallsoft.
Sound engineers of these genres will construct entire albums using vintage soundbites from decades before. That way them and their counterparts can reminisce and any curious upcoming youth can be infected with feelings of false nostalgia.
I WAS THERE AND NOW I'M SAD.
I WAS THERE AND NOW I'M SAD.
I WASN'T THERE AND NOW I'M SAD.
I WASN'T THERE AND NOW I'M SAD.
The youth of today didn’t get to experience the Mall in its heyday. And somehow, they’re able to sense that bittersweet sadness despite having malls that have since adapted to the new economic climate. The constant moving cogs of capitalism, and the recent pandemic had stolen that from them. From us all.
Biohazard, 2021
Now, the Mall is in the palm of our hand and soon, it’ll be in our eyes.
Goodbye, shopping at the Mall. I am one of the last dregs of that history since I still remember.
Mall Hours, 2022
