Larry Rivers : Growing (1981) – A Look into a Controversial Archive
Here's a review of the documentary:
The documentary remains one of the most controversial works in Rivers' career due to its intrusive nature . Rivers filmed his daughters in various states of undress—often topless or naked—while asking them probing questions about their developing bodies and sexuality . --- Documentary Growing 1981 Larry Rivers LINK Download
Rivers documented the entire process in voice-over. At one point, he acknowledged his daughters' discomfort but continued nonetheless, stating: "Much to the confusion of my children and family, I continued". This self-aware admission—that he knew he was making them uncomfortable but pressed on regardless—would become a central piece of evidence in later accusations.
Larry Rivers was never content staying behind a canvas. Throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, he was deeply embedded in the independent and underground filmmaking scenes of New York City. He collaborated frequently with iconic photographers and filmmakers like Robert Frank, appearing in the landmark Beat Generation film Pull My Daisy (1959) and co-directing the raw, experimental documentary Keep Busy (1975). Larry Rivers : Growing (1981) – A Look
It is crucial to state that Larry Rivers' 1981 documentary "Growing" is not commercially available for download or public streaming on any major platform (such as Amazon Prime, YouTube, or Vimeo). This is for several reasons: the profound ethical controversy surrounding the film, its likely legal status as potential child pornography, and the active opposition of Rivers' daughter, Emma, who has demanded its suppression. The footage reportedly resides within the larger Larry Rivers archive now housed at New York University, but it is not accessible to the general public. Given the subject matter, it is highly likely that this film will never be released. Therefore, there are no legitimate download links for the 1981 film "Growing," and users are strongly advised to be aware of this fact.
The art world of the 1950s and 60s was dominated by the raw emotionality of Abstract Expressionism, but Larry Rivers (1923–2002) carved a unique niche by bridging the gap between that movement and the nascent Pop Art scene. Known as a painter, sculptor, jazz saxophonist, and actor, Rivers was a monumental figure in postwar American art. At one point, he acknowledged his daughters' discomfort
The project remains highly controversial and legally restricted from public distribution due to serious claims of child exploitation and emotional trauma. 🎞️ About the Project Pop artist Larry Rivers
The film's director, Peter Rosen, opens the documentary by showing Rivers in a provocative and often unflattering light, including scenes of his sexual provocation and drug use. It forces the audience to confront the question of whether an artist's work can or should be separated from the artist's actions. In this sense, "Growing" has become the central test case for this question within the legacy of Larry Rivers.
Larry Rivers' 1981 documentary, , is a controversial 45-minute film documenting his daughters' transition to adulthood that was suppressed due to ethical concerns and objections from the subjects regarding privacy violations. Following legal pressure, the footage was restricted and returned to the estate, making it unavailable for public download or distribution. Information on this film is available through various archival studies.