Oil on canvas, 48 x 60 inches by Mel Ramos, 2012 courtesy of Modernism, Inc.
To much fanfare, the fine art world has found it’s new candy and nugget. It has taken a lifetime career which began to simmer about 3 years ago. We are talking about the fine art work of Mel Ramos. While in the halls of exhibition after exhibition, with the Blue Chip masters like Picasso, Rothko and Lichtenstein becoming increasingly unobtainable, collectors – from individuals to museums – began to explore other contributors to movements. Ramos, a California jewel – Sacramento to be exact, has been commenting on pop culture since 1953 – if not earlier. His new nudes are wrapped and delivered on canvas. Other works have been available as signed and numbered prints.
One of his galleries, Modernism, is in a world wind tour as they celebrate 50 years of Ramos’ “Superheros, Nudes and other Pop Delights.” For Valentine’s, the gallery will be showing Mel’s latest body of works – and when we mention body, we mean those young souls wrapped in Bananas, M&Ms, Junior mints mixed with a hint of Coca Cola. Down in the Coachella Valley, Mel is scheduled to speak at the Palm Springs Fine Art Fair on February 15 between 4 to 5 PM. One of the dynamic sides of his body of works is how sex and brand mix in our culture. To some, the works seem just like anything else. However that is only possible because Mel has been one of the most influential in the genre – mainly pop art. Compound the genre with an extremely talented and aware individual, you have a fine artist who truly is sweet. For more information visit Modernism either online or at their San Francisco gallery on Market St. ( phone at 415-541-0461). To hear Ramos speak, visit the Palm Springs Fine Art Fair for the day or for the full President’s weekend.
