This holiday season, Pittsburgh’s Three Sisters Bridges — the Rachel Carson, Andy Warhol and Roberto Clemente bridges — are glowing with a spectacular light show that merges art, storytelling and tradition.
Commissioned by Allegheny County with support from Shiftworks Community + Public Arts, the display was created by artists Marques Redd and Mikael Owunna and their organization, Rainbow Serpent.
Known as “The Three Sisters,” the light show runs during the early morning hours and between sunset and midnight through Dec. 31.
The installation celebrates the bridges’ significance while incorporating narratives from both Indigenous agricultural traditions and Afro-Caribbean mythology.
The concept of the Three Sisters originates from Indigenous peoples in North America and Central America, referring to squash, maize (corn) and beans — three crops that thrive when grown together.
Globally, the term also connects to the goddesses Oya, Oshun and Yemaya. This light show beautifully weaves these stories together, with each bridge representing one crop and its corresponding goddess.
The Rachel Carson Bridge, symbolizing beans, is illuminated in purples, reds, and flashes of white and blue lightning, reflecting the transformative power of Oya, the goddess of storms and change.
The colors highlight the energy of storms and the rich soil that supports bean plants, offering a vivid representation of strength and renewal.
On the Andy Warhol Bridge, the yellows and greens celebrate Oshun, the goddess of beauty, art and luxury.
These lights mimic the upward growth of maize and convey a sense of vitality and abundance, honoring both the city’s artistic legacy and the natural beauty of the crop.
The Roberto Clemente Bridge shines in blues and greens, evoking Yemaya, the maternal goddess of the sea.
The lights’ wave-like movements reflect the calming presence of the ocean and the protective canopy provided by squash leaves.
This serene yet powerful display speaks to themes of nurturing and connection.
By the way, if you miss this display, the 601,440 color LED lights are permanent. The art exhibit displayed right now is temporary, but you’ll still be able to see other lights shows in the future on the bridges.
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