Cenon Rivera- The Pasig Modernist

 

February 28 2025, during Pasig Art Festival, I delivered a lecture titled "Concepts of Western Art and Their Influence on Pasig's Artistic and Cultural Landscape," where I highlighted Cenon Rivera as one of Pasig's most influential artists.

Cenon Rivera was a multifaceted disciple of art —a painter, printmaker, stained glass artist, mosaic maker, and sculptor. His son, Noel Rivera, former Executive Director of the Pasig City Museum, also described him as a poet. Cenon Rivera introduced himself to the Philippine art scene with his modernist style, a direction that was expected given his artistic background. Rivera was the most prominent student of Victorio Edades, the Father of Modern Philippine Painting. After Edades' passing, Rivera was widely regarded as his successor, taking on the mantle of leadership in the country’s modern art movement.

Born and raised in Hagonoy, Bulacan, Cenon Rivera studied at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) under the mentorship of Edades. He later became a faculty member at UST, teaching from the 1950s until his retirement in 1994. He eventually settled in Pasig, having married Ma. Teresa Tech-Rivera a member of the Tech clan, a prominent family in the city.

While completing his studies at UST, Rivera also worked as an art director, copywriter, and Tagalog editor in various advertising agencies. After graduating in 1948, he pursued a freelance career in advertising as a painter and graphic designer, creating books, brochures, seals, logos, cartoons, illustrations, and other artworks—all while balancing his passion for teaching.

In March 1957, a group of Pasig-based artists founded the Pasig Art Club, inspired by the vision of Prof. Ambrosio Morales, by then a distinguished resident of Pasig and faculty member at the UP College of Fine Arts. Among its esteemed founding members was Cenon Rivera.

The Pasig Art Club also included several other prominent figures, not only in Pasig’s art scene but also in the broader Philippine art community. These esteemed members were Teofilo Montifar Sr., Eulogio Rodriguez, Jose Tan Angeles, Nemesio Dimanlig Jr., Dr. Rodolfo Paras-Perez, Nemesio Faustino, Juan Perez, Gregorio Coching, Corazon Manalo-Montifar, Pyt Santos, Eduarda Legaspi-Balmaceda, Cresenciana Bernardo-San Andres, Federico Estrada and others.

In the 1960s, Rivera received a study grant from the Italian government and traveled to Rome, Italy, where he trained in stained glass making as an apprentice at Vetrate d’Arte Giuliani. This experience made him one of the few Filipino artists with formal expertise in the craft.

During his time in Rome, Rivera participated in several painting competitions, winning multiple awards. One of his most notable works, "Equilibrio," earned First Prize, showcasing his modernist techniques. Another piece, "Sabaudia" (1963), also won First Place in an on-the-spot painting competition in Italy.

Contributions to Ecclesiastical and Commemorative Art

Cenon Rivera made significant contributions to both ecclesiastical and commemorative art through his expertise in stained glass design. Among his most notable works are the stained glass murals at the Mount Samat National Shrine in Bataan and the stained glass panels at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pasig.

Mount Samat National Shrine (Dambana ng Kagitingan), Bataan

The Mount Samat National Shrine, also known as the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor), was built to honor the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II. Within the shrine's colonnade, Rivera’s artistic mastery is showcased in three religious stained glass murals that serve as a stunning visual backdrop to the central altar.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pasig

In Pasig City, Rivera’s artistic contributions to sacred spaces are exemplified by his stained glass panels for the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. These windows not only enhance the cathedral’s aesthetic beauty but also function as visual narratives of faith, enriching the spiritual experience of the parishioners. Beyond his visual art contributions, Rivera was actively involved in the parish publication, The Parishioner, designing its cover and writing articles, reflecting his deep commitment to both art and community engagement.

Academic Contributions and Recognition

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Rivera was a dedicated educator. He served as a faculty member at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) from the 1950s until his retirement in 1994, shaping the future of Philippine art through his mentorship. In recognition of his invaluable contributions to the College of Architecture & Fine Arts, UST conferred upon him the prestigious title of Professor Emeritus in 1997.

Through his pioneering work in stained glass, modern painting, and printmaking, as well as his lasting influence in art education, Cenon Rivera left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and shape the artistic landscape of both Pasig and the Philippines today.