The Los Angeles River has been a vital lifeline for the City of Los Angeles and its region, shaping the city’s development and culture.  Historically, the natural river and its ebbs and flows served as a crucial water source for indigenous communities and early settlers.  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 the urban landscape, altering its natural course and ecology.

Amidst this backdrop, California artist John Kosta embarked on a mission to rediscover and reimagine the LA 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.  In the exhibition “John Kosta: A Love Letter to the LA River,” on view March 22 through August 9, 2025 at the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University, museum visitors can witness the power, the unexpected beauty and even the romanticism of the now-tamed waterway—and try to envision a time in its past when it flowed without concrete boundaries, wild and free.

Kosta’s paintings focus on the beauty found in often-overlooked places.  For example: do you ever think of the LA River as you barrel over a bridge that spans it, barely looking out the side windows at the ugly cement embankments below?  Kosta does think of it, and he thinks about it afterward—and he wants you to do so as well.

“My works delve into the interplay of light and shadow, the juxtaposition of nature and urban infrastructure, and the river’s evolving relationship with the city,” says the artist.  Through his works, he says, he invites viewers to see the river not just as a concrete channel, but as a living entity with a rich history and potential for renewal—despite its often-gritty urban setting.  “The paintings showcase the ‘beautiful ugly’ of the river—its nature, its neighborhoods, its people and its architecture,” Kosta adds.

“John’s work fits perfectly with the mission of the Hilbert Museum, which aims to tell the history of California through human interactions and human infrastructures,” says Mark Hilbert, founder of the Hilbert Museum.  “In these paintings, he’s offering a fresh perspective by capturing the river’s many moods and angles, encouraging art enthusiasts to appreciate the river’s unique place in the Los Angeles urban landscape.”

In “Alterado,” the painting featured above, Kosta portrays a segment of the LA River in the Arroyo Seco that is encased in concrete.  “The egret is flying down to look for frogs or other food, but of course it will have to fly on, as the food pickings here are slim,” says Kosta.  “It’s really a story about the nature of the river and what man’s geo-engineered impact on it has been.  But it’s also a story of hope—that there are still opportunities to revitalize the river.”

Kosta’s dedication to this subject matter has brought renewed attention to the Los Angeles River, inspiring conversations about its past, present and future.  His art serves as a bridge between the river’s storied history and the ongoing efforts to revitalize and reintegrate it into the fabric of the city.  By capturing the river’s many moods and angles, Kosta offers a fresh perspective, encouraging Angelenos and art enthusiasts alike to appreciate the river’s unique place in the Los Angeles landscape.

In essence, John Kosta’s work not only celebrates the Los Angeles River’s enduring spirit but also challenges us to envision a harmonious coexistence between urban development and natural waterways.  As he says, “I want people to know that the LA River is worthy of restoration, re-discovery, and yes, even worthy of fine art.”

More information about the art and artist: www.JohnKosta.com

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The Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University is located at 167 North Atchison St. in Old Towne, across from the train station. The museum is open Tue-Sat 10 am to 5 pm, and admission is free. To save time checking in, pre-register online at www.HilbertMuseum.org More information: 714-516-5880 during open hours.