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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salon, 1993

Justen Ladda
German (born 1953)

Location: Department of Labor and Industries, Tumwater

About the Artwork

Salon is an interactive room installation by artist Justen Ladda. It is comprised of furniture and painted walls with reproductions of paintings by famous European artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Andrew Derain. Ladda wanted to create a kind of stage – a space that is relaxing and cheerful – for the Department of Labor employees who often do stressful work such as managing workers’ compensation claims. The imagery and objects remind us of summer, nice weather, and vacationing. The resulting artwork is a conceptual work of art, as well as a place for Labor and Industry staff and visitors to relax and reflect. 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.