wherever there is water…
Wherever There Is Water… was a collectively made walking narrative
and illuminated nighttime procession through the streets of South Philadelphia in 2010.
The project followed the fictional story of Huberta, an elderly woman separated from her husband late in life when each is sent to live with different family members. Before they part, her husband reassures her: “We’ll always be together wherever there is water.” Later, in an increasingly dreamy, Huberta mistakes her handbag by the door as a sign that she is meant to leave, and wanders out into the Florida night in her bunny slippers in search of her old life.
Whenever anyone asks where she is going, she replies:
“Wherever there is water.”
Developed through conversations and storytelling exchanges with South Philadelphia residents, the project transformed personal memories, dreams and experiences into episodes within Huberta’s journey. Community members were invited to exchange “Tea for Tales of Adventure,” where their stories were folded into the evolving narrative and translated into illuminated paper sculptures, floating text fragments, songs..
The final nighttime walk traced a looping route through South Philadelphia before returning to Fleisher Art Memorial’s chapel. Hundreds of participants and accidental spectators encountered the ambulant choir, translucent lanterns, illuminated sculptures, and Huberta herself—carried by children from a local karate club.
The project marked the beginning of a long-term exploration of participatory rituals, collective storytelling, and emotionally guided public processions.
Made possible through the support of Fleisher Art Memorial and Mid Atlantic Arts.
Special thanks to Fleisher staff, especially Magda Martinez, Tina Bobb and Chris, and to the many amazing volunteers, especially Nikki Virbitski, and Frank Barbella.
