Sodaro South Building

The Los Angeles River: An Unexpected Beauty
Paintings by John Kosta

March 22, 2025 – August 9, 2025

Curated by John Kosta

The Los Angeles River has been a vital lifeline for the region, shaping the city’s development and culture. However, its unpredictable flooding led to significant challenges. In response to devastating floods in the early 20th century, the river was channelized and lined with concrete, transforming it into a controlled waterway. This engineering feat, while mitigating flood risks, also sequestered the river from its urban landscape, altering its natural course and ecology.

Amidst this backdrop, California artist John Kosta embarked on a mission to rediscover and reimagine the Los Angeles River through his art. His “Los Angeles River Series” is a multi-year project that captures the river’s essence, portraying its beauty and resilience. Kosta’s paintings delve into the interplay of light and shadow, the juxtaposition of nature and urban infrastructure, and the river’s evolving relationship with the city. Through his work, he invites viewers to see this “forgotten river” not just as a concrete channel but as a living entity with a unique beauty and rich history…and with potential for renewal.