ALMA | LEWIS Presents Naomi Sims: (Super) Model Citizen
November 8, 2023 – February 24, 2024
Curated by Kilolo Luckett
6901 Lynn Way | Suite 206 | Pittsburgh
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pittsburgh, PA — November 2, 2023 — ALMA | LEWIS (A | L), the avant-garde hub for contemporary art dedicated to Black culture, is delighted to announce the opening of its latest exhibition, Naomi Sims: (Super) Model Citizen, running from November 8, 2023, to February 24, 2024.
Naomi Sims: (Super) Model Citizen is a groundbreaking exhibition that pays homage to the legendary Naomi Sims, one of the first Black supermodels who revolutionized the fashion industry and set the stage for future generations of models and fashion icons. This exhibition is a visual and narrative journey that celebrates her life, her impact on the world of fashion, and her advocacy for diversity and inclusivity within the industry. Naomi Sims: (Super) Model Citizen showcases a stunning collection of iconic photographs that capture the grace and beauty of this trailblazing supermodel, taken by some of the most renowned photographers of her era. Discover how Naomi Sims’ legacy continues to inspire contemporary discussions on diversity, inclusion, and representation in the fashion world.
Naomi Sims, a Pittsburgh native, transcended the world of modeling to become a true renaissance woman. As an accomplished author, her book All About Health and Beauty for the Black Woman served as a pioneering guide for Black women, offering invaluable insights on self-care and beauty. Beyond her modeling and literary achievements, Naomi Sims blazed the trail as a business owner, breaking down racial barriers in the fashion industry. Her entrepreneurial ventures included launching her own line of cosmetics and wigs, catering to the needs of Black women at a time when the beauty industry largely overlooked them. Naomi Sims’ remarkable career paved the way for future supermodels, such as the trailblazing Donyale Luna, inspiring a new generation of models to embrace their uniqueness, defy convention, and advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the fashion world. Her legacy continues to resonate in the indomitable spirit of those who follow in her footsteps, championing the importance of representation and empowerment.
“Naomi Sims: (Super) Model Citizen is not merely an exhibition; it’s a tribute to a remarkable trailblazer. Sims, a true (super)model citizen, broke down barriers in the fashion world, forging a path that transcended the runway. Her enduring influence on diversity and inclusivity in the industry is a testament to her legacy. This exhibition is a celebration of her impact and a reflection of the continued importance of her work.” -Kilolo Luckett, Executive Director and Chief Curator of ALMA | LEWIS.
Join us for the grand opening of Naomi Sims: (Super) Model Citizen on November 8, 2023, at ALMA | LEWIS. The event will include a tour of the exhibition, a conversation with the curator, Kilolo Luckett, and an opportunity to engage with Naomi Sims’ groundbreaking work.
Date: November 8, 2023
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: ALMA | LEWIS, 6901 Lynn Way, Suite 206 Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Click here to RSVP.
About Naomi Sims
Naomi Sims (March 30, 1948 – August 1, 2009) was one of the first Black supermodels. Born in Oxford, MS, Sims grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Westinghouse High School in Homewood and moved to New York City to attend New York University and the Fashion Institute of Technology. She was the first Black model to grace the covers of The New York Times, Fashions of the Time in 1967, Ladies’ Home Journal in 1968, and Life Magazine in 1969. In 1972, she landed on the cover of Interview magazine with Warhol. Sims wrote four books on health and beauty, and founded a cosmetic and wig company.
About ALMA | LEWIS
ALMA | LEWIS (A | L) is a dynamic contemporary art sanctuary dedicated to the rich tapestry of Black culture. Established in 2017, our physical presence blossomed in Pittsburgh’s East End in 2021. A | L nurtures artists through transformative residencies, curates groundbreaking exhibitions, and houses the Black Archive—a treasury of knowledge, books, ephemera, and artwork celebrating Black arts and culture. Our By Any Means series examines the profound influence of Black culture on society and acts as a vibrant forum for artists, cultural visionaries, and writers to connect, share resources, and champion the diversity of Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape.
Website: www.almalewis.org