Mel Ramos

Mel Ramos (1935–2018) was an American Pop artist known for his provocative and humorous paintings, which often depicted idealized female figures alongside commercial products and popular culture icons. Born in Sacramento, California, Ramos emerged as a prominent figure in the Pop Art movement during the 1960s. His art, such as "The Seven Year Itch" (1962), showcased a bold and colorful style, blending elements of realism with exaggerated, almost cartoonish imagery. Ramos' work critiqued the commodification of beauty and sexuality in mass media while simultaneously celebrating the visual language of advertising and consumer culture. His paintings, which often featured pin-up models and comic book characters, challenged traditional notions of high and low art. Ramos' contributions to Pop Art solidify his legacy as a significant figure in 20th-century American art.