«In Bologna, at Galleria d'Arte Maggiore, until June 30th twenty-five works by Mel Ramos are being exhibited (catalogue realized by the Gallery) by the 65-years-old, world wide famous, Pop Art artist from California. Ramos most famous artworks are surely from the pin-ups series, provocative feminine nudes painted by the artist following the advertising's and illustration's graphic ways of the newspapers during the Fifties and Sixties. The artist used these works as caricature of the commercialization of sex-appeal, single aspect of a wider degeneration of costume and taste where Warhol's consumerist man had fallen into. Ramos has not forgotten the curvy girls which brought him such a good fortune, as he continues to paint them. It is maybe still not clear whether his works are appreciated for the mockery of these playmates or if scantily clad women have an actual charm on the male audience. Pin-ups are now included, not resumed by popular press, no more in Vargas' or Elvgren's illustrations, now they are part of the art history's masterpieces. A funny and irreverent effect which confirms Ramos's sarcastic streak, simple and effective, which creates figurative pastiches where beauty and ugliness, ancient and modern, cultured and popular become confused, startling us for their actual distinction».
Vittorio Sgarbi, Oggi, 2001