Val Veeta, by Mel Ramos, 1965. Nude Woman on Kraft Velveeta Cheese Spread. Published by Art Unlimited, Amsterdam.
The postcard features an attention-grabbing advertisement combining a prominent display of Velveeta, a processed cheese product by Kraft, with an unexpected and eyebrow-raising imagery of a woman. In the image, the woman lies facing away from the viewer on a large, oversized box of Velveeta cheese. The box is rendered in vibrant yellows and oranges common to Velveeta packaging, with bold, black text proclaiming the product's brand along its length. The words "PASTEURIZED PROCESS CHEESE SPREAD" are visibly highlighted beneath the brand name.The pose of the woman is reminiscent of classic pin-up models; she is portrayed in a somewhat sensual pose with her head turned to look over her shoulder, her hair styled in an elegant updo that complements the vintage appeal of the image. The simplicity and composition of the background, a stark, neutral tone, ensure that all attention is drawn to the figure and the branded box.Despite its vintage style, the melding of a product advertisement with a nude figure is both bold and provocative, illustrating a marketing strategy that aims to attract attention through a mix of shock value and familiar visual appeal associated with the era's advertising aesthetics. This postcard, possibly dating back to the mid-20th century, serves as an example of how advertising strategies can sometimes blend product promotion with art and cultural elements, albeit controversial ones. The imagery seeks to push boundaries and might be interpreted differently in modern contexts concerning the portrayal of women in media and advertising.