Composition 0701

THE BEACH

MDF panel and frame, acrylic paint and paper
36 inches diameter
Contains approximately 7,209 pieces
2024

Hidden within the concentric circles of Composition 0701 The Beach by Lesley Luce are local histories and landmarks from Toronto’s Beach neighbourhood. The monochromatic palette, featuring tones of cream, white, and beige, evokes a serene, timeless atmosphere. This piece includes photos from the Toronto Archives, portraits from Bud’s Coffee Bar, as well as a portrait of Ted Reeve and a Balmy Beach Club rower, Limon Restaurant, details from the Leuty Boathouse mural by Chief Lady Bird, the silhouette of Fire Station 227, and the Leuty Lifeguard Station, as well as illustrations from ForWARD Nine community map, 1980. The centrepiece is made of sea glass collected from Woodbine Beach. Intricately decorated fragments of identically cut and painted pieces of paper tell unique stories about the Beach, infusing the abstract composition with personal meaning.