J. S. Rivera is a self-taught painter, historian and recent immigrant to Ireland, working primarily in oils. His academic background in history shapes an enduring interest in place, memory and the traces people leave behind, while his move to Ireland has opened up a new source of inspiration in both the city and countryside.
His paintings often focus on landscapes, architecture and familiar places — from Wicklow coastlines and rural scenes to Dublin streets, pubs and spaces associated with the city’s recent past. Rather than simply documenting a location, Rivera is interested in the atmosphere and memories attached to it: what survives, what changes and what can disappear altogether.
Working across canvas, panel and, more recently, copper, Rivera has developed his practice through experimentation and close observation rather than formal art-school training. He is particularly drawn to the long history of oil painting and traditional supports, while using them to explore contemporary places and personal experience in his own way.
His work has been exhibited in Ireland and the UK and is held in private collections in Ireland, the UK, the United States, Europe and Australia.
Around the World
Paintings by J.S. Rivera can be found worldwide. Below is just a sample of some of my paintings which have been purchased and have found homes across the globe.
