Puerto Valarta Berge Missakian (1933-2017)

The composition presents a vibrant and layered scene dominated by a saturated red hue that permeates nearly every element. A large acoustic guitar occupies a central position, its dark form contrasting with the surrounding brightness. Sheet music, bearing handwritten notations labeled Rosalinda, lies near the instrument, suggesting a connection to musical performance or inspiration.
To the left of the guitar, a fragmented depiction appears – a stylized portrait rendered in geometric shapes and warm tones. The figure’s features are abstracted, hinting at a playful distortion of reality rather than a realistic portrayal. This element introduces an unsettling quality, disrupting any sense of straightforward narrative.
On the right side, a window frame reveals a glimpse of an exterior scene. A red-roofed building is visible amidst lush vegetation, evoking a tropical setting – likely a coastal town or village. The architectural details are simplified and stylized, contributing to the overall dreamlike quality of the work.
A female figure, rendered in profile within a separate window frame, gazes outward with an expression that is difficult to decipher; it could be interpreted as melancholy, contemplation, or simply detachment. Her presence adds a layer of emotional complexity to the scene.
Scattered throughout the foreground are various objects: a small table holding what appears to be a book or journal, a watermelon slice resting on another surface, and an array of brightly colored flowers spilling from a vase. These details contribute to a sense of abundance and sensory richness.
The artist employs bold outlines and flattened perspectives, creating a visual density that challenges traditional notions of depth and realism. The interplay between the fragmented portrait, the musical score, the exterior view, and the solitary figure suggests themes of memory, longing, cultural identity, and perhaps even the complexities of artistic creation itself. The overall effect is one of heightened emotion and symbolic resonance, inviting multiple interpretations.