Currents

Fairmount Water Works
640 Waterworks Dr.
Philadelphia, PA 19130

May 9 - August 8, 2026

Wednesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Dive into the waterways of Philadelphia’s past and present in the upcoming Philadelphia Sculptors and Fairmount Water Works collaborative exhibition, “Currents.” Between May 9 and August 8, 2026, ten highly recognized local artists will expose the hidden mysteries of the raw architecture and underground corridors beneath the historic Fairmount Water Works. Perched just above the Schuylkill River, imaginative site-specific artworks will immerse visitors in the voices of the river and the history and ecology of the Water Works and its environs. Trickling harmonic notes will accompanyephemeral video projections while haunting multi-media installations will connect colonial times to both the real present and an imagined future 250 years ahead.

Artists: Joy Feasley and Paul Swenbeck, Julianna Foster, Carolyn Healy and John Phillips, Nadia Hironaka and Matthew Suib, Eugene Lew, Martha McDonald, and Taji Ra’oof Nahl.

A public opening reception will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., with musical performances scheduled during the run of the exhibition.

Co-Curators: Elaine Crivelli, Leslie Kaufman, Marsha Moss

Performances

CURRENTS artists Eugene Lew, Martha McDonald, and Taji Ra’oof Nahl activate their installation through performances created to enhance and amplify the exhibition. Visitors immerse themselves in music, spoken word, and video as Taji Ra’oof Nahl (TR7) and The Sonic Sculpture Ensemble present groundbreaking musical experiences. Eugene Lew’s two performances include participation with The Sonic Sculpture Ensemble for the first one, and a separate electronic music performance with Aaron Eigler for the second. Martha McDonald personifies the Schuylkill River as she weaves her way throughout the pool space, singing original songs and playing the dulcimer and a version of Benjamin Franklin’s armonica.