Artwork copyright Justen Ladda. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Justen Ladda. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Justen Ladda. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Justen Ladda. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Wheat, 1993

Justen Ladda
(German, born 1953)

Location: Department of Labor and Industries, Tumwater

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Justen Ladda's Wheat mural is inspired by the wheat fields of the Palouse region in Eastern Washington. The wheat stalks are painted in gold leaf and are set off by a deep red background. Ladda traveled to the Palouse to photograph the wheat fields. He closely examined individual stalks of wheat and was fascinated by their form: "When you look at wheat up close, it looks almost gestural – like people lifting and bending their heads, or like a musical score." This artwork is part of a series of site-specific installations by artist Justen Ladda for seven Department of Labor and Industries sites. The seven artworks are broadly inspired by labor and industry in Washington State.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of Labor and Industries.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Justen Ladda creates imaginative conceptual sculptures and public art installations. Ladda grew up in West Germany, and studied art in Germany and at the Brooklyn Museum Art School (1978-80). He lives and works in New York City.