Menu for Today…Human Meat 1959

Victor Prezio’s “Menu for Today…Human Meat” is a painting made at an unknown time, using a pulp-like approach. The earthy colors and exaggerated facial expressions, set against the solid rock, hint at adventure but also a sense of peril. Look at the way Prezio uses brushstrokes to define the rock’s texture. Notice the swirling, almost turbulent marks that create depth and volume. The browns and tans meld into darker grays, giving the impression of a heavy, oppressive mass. This contrasts with the softer rendering of the figures, particularly the two central characters. It makes me think of someone like Philip Guston, especially in the way Prezio isn't afraid to embrace, or lean into, the bizarre. It’s not about perfection but about the raw energy of the image.