“Mel Ramos (…) began painting photorealistic pictures juxtaposing Playmate-like nudes and brand-name commodities against blank or nearly blank backgrounds. In a highly condensed form they embodied the Playboy ethos: the smartly produced blend of intellectual sophistication, discerning consumerism and fun-loving hedonism.” – Ken Johnson, “The Image is Erotic. But is it Art?” The New York Times, 20 January 2009, p. AR30