Can con

Composition 0818
2024 
Wood panel, canvas, acrylic paint, ChromaLife100+ ink, paper 
36 inches diameter
Approximately 9,206 paper pieces 

The concentric circles of Can Con Composition 0818 by Lesley Luce unite iconic moments from Canada’s musical heritage into a cohesive expression of national pride. The piece intricately blends shapes, designed and cut from album art and CD liner notes from the artist’s personal collection, adding layers of depth and meaning. Set against a black background, the black and white pieces, accented with blue and a bold streak of red, create striking visual contrast. 

Each ring represents a different musical icon, reflecting both the history and contemporary elements of Canadian music. The name “Can Con” alludes to the Canadian content regulations that ensure a rich presence of homegrown music on radio, echoing the spirit of inclusion that the piece celebrates. 

The meticulously crafted paper fragments, arranged with precision, evoke a strong sense of nostalgia, home, and community, paying tribute to the vibrant and diverse Canadian music scene. From a distance, the composition appears abstract, but it invites viewers to look closer and discover familiar icons hidden within, revealing a deeper connection to Canadian music.