Artwork copyright Juan Pablo Soto. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Jefe, 2006

Juan Pablo Soto
American (born 1952, died 2021)

Location: Yakima Valley College - Grandview, Grandview

About the Artwork

Juan Pablo Soto's painting Jefe honors an agricultural worker. Jefe means "boss" in Spanish. The man in the painting is wearing the typical white shirt and dark pants of a farm crew boss, and he appears to be overseeing what is going on in the vineyard. The painting also honors the larger contributions of Hispanic farm workers in communities across Washington State.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Yakima Valley College.

About the Artist

Eastern Washington artist Juan Pablo Soto (1952-2021) was based in Kennewick. In his own words: "I am interested in portraying Latinos in everyday life. Much of my subject matter involves farmworkers in the field, children at play or learning activities, and families. I want to honor Latinos working and living in the United States today." Soto graduated from Sunnyside High School and attended Central Washington University before he was drafted in the Vietnam War.