Cheesecake factory

Like Sacramento’s other internationally renowned artist, Wayne Thiebaud, Mel Ramos has garnered international recognition for his paintings of cakes, too—sort of. Specifically, Ramos specializes in cheesecake. For about 50 years, this virtual cheesecake factory and Sacramento native has been painting nude or nearly women as pinups. But unlike the classic Vargas girl, his versions are accompanied with a commentary on popular culture, such as consumerism. Some of the women he paints have the faces of celebrities, such as Liv Tyler, Scarlett Johansson and Cameron Diaz; and they are often draped over, standing seductively behind or emerging from giant name-brand products, such as Velveeta (cheesy, indeed), Coca-Cola, Chiquita and Snickers—or is it just that the women are tiny and the products are of normal size?

In June, two Sacramento venues will feature Ramos’ work. Archival Framing presents vintage and new prints, and the Crocker Art Museum will display 70 of his paintings, drawings and sculptures paintings in Mel Ramos: 50 Years of Superheroes, Nudes, and Other Pop Delights, which will include prints that haven’t been exhibited since butterfly collars were all the rage. The show runs through October 21.