MELVIN JOHN RAMOS
35 × 23 1/2 in | 88.9 × 59.7 cm
Framed: 28,1 x 39,3 in, | 71,5 x 100 cm
Edition of 120
Hav-a-Havana #11 embodies Mel Ramos' signature fusion of pop art, advertising aesthetics, and classical portraiture. In this striking composition, Ramos plays with scale and juxtaposition, transforming an everyday object—an oversized Partagas cigar—into a bold and humorous visual statement. The vibrant colors and hyperrealistic rendering showcase his mastery of form and texture, drawing inspiration from the golden age of commercial imagery.
This work reflects Ramos' exploration of consumer culture, glamour, and the visual language of mid-century advertising. The figure, depicted with the artist’s characteristic precision, adds an element of playfulness while evoking the pin-up tradition in a way that is both nostalgic and self-aware. By elevating mass-produced imagery into fine art, Hav-a-Havana #11 challenges the boundaries between commercial iconography and high culture.
Balancing humor, elegance, and bold composition, this piece is a testament to Ramos’ ability to transform familiar imagery into an iconic and thought-provoking work. A must-have for collectors of pop art, Hav-a-Havana #11 captures the essence of Ramos’ playful yet sophisticated artistic vision.