Kosta solo exhibition at Hilbert Museum - March 22-August 9, 25.  Learn More

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LOS ANGELES RIVER SERIES #5

John Kosta • October 25, 2020

Los Angeles River #5

Below the Santa Monica Freeway

Olympic Boulevard Bridge



Oil on Canvas 24" x 30” x 1.5'

An image of California artist John Kosta's painting entitled Los Angeles River #5.
Los Angeles River Series 5 (2019)

Even when the Los Angeles River is mostly dry there remains a constant flow of effluence from upriver storm drains. This moisture enables vegetation to grow in the sand and shallow mud along the smooth concrete bottom…vegetation that gets washed clean by the next season’s rains.

Los Angeles River Painting 5 depicts the reflections of the Santa Monica Freeway overpass, the Olympic Boulevard Bridge and distant train trestles… the same trestles depicted in Los Angeles River 4, though at a much greater distance. Ever-present high-tension electrical towers march along the river’s edge like skeletons of giant alien beings.


If you are interested in this painting, you can view more details in the Store. If you would like to learn more about the City of Los Angeles' River Project, explore the links below.


More on the Los Angeles Revitalization Project

The official website for this tremendous undertaking by the City of Los Angeles.

An interactive map that highlights a number of the developments planned and occurring along the Los Angeles River.

Home of the Los Angles River Project, an organization dedicated to restoring the vital ecosystem along the river.


Artist John Kosta in front of one of his painting from
By Editor March 3, 2025
Hilbert Museum hosting a solo exhibition of Kosta's 'The Los Angeles River -- An Unexpected Beauty'. This is the largest collection of the artist's work to be exhibited to date, allowing a unique opportunity to experience the full breadth of this thoughtful substantial fine art series.
September 21, 2024
Artist John Kosta's "The LA River: An Unexpected Beauty" will be on display at the Square i Gallery from October 5 to 26, 2024. Most of these LA River paintings have never been exhibited before.
Artist John Kosta's painting entitled 'LA River Painting 85'.
August 8, 2024
Artist John Kosta's 'LA River 85' showing at TAG Gallery. Artist's Reception on Saturday August 3rd from 4pm to 8pm.
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