Growing (1981) is not Larry Rivers’ most famous painting, nor his most radical. But it may be one of his most honest. It offers no grand narrative, no pop-culture provocation—just a man in his late fifties watching a plant spread across a table, recognizing in its unruly, imperfect reach his own stubborn commitment to making art.
. The project is most notable for its explicit documentation of his teenage daughters' physical development through puberty, a work that has faced intense criticism and accusations of exploitation. The Video Series
In 2010, the Growing series became a focal point of conflict during New York University’s (NYU) acquisition of the artist's archives. The daughters represented in the films sought to have the footage removed or restricted, arguing that their private lives should not be treated as public artifacts. This dispute highlighted the ongoing tension between preserving an artist's legacy and protecting the privacy of the individuals depicted.
: While Larry Rivers is recognized as a major figure in the Pop Art movement, the controversy surrounding this film has led to a re-evaluation of his methods and the impact of his work on his family. growing 1981 larry rivers
: In recent years, his daughter Emma Tamburlini has publicly stated she felt extremely uncomfortable and did not consent to the filming.
Upon completing the editing in 1981, Rivers faced immediate opposition. His former wife, Clarice Rivers, strongly objected to the film being shown publicly. Consequently, the project was suppressed and stored in private archives, remaining largely out of public view for several decades. Rediscovery and Public Debate
"Growing" is not about puberty; it is about power. It captures the final, tragic act of a man who spent a lifetime bridging the gap between high art and low instinct, and in doing so, crossed a line from which even art history cannot redeem him. Growing (1981) is not Larry Rivers’ most famous
Some notable works from the 1981 series include:
Today, Growing (1981) is regarded as a deeply problematic chapter in Larry Rivers' career. It continues to prompt critical questions about the limits of artistic freedom when it intersects with the rights and well-being of the individuals depicted.
It seems you're interested in information about Larry Rivers, an American artist known for his work in painting, sculpture, and other media, particularly in the context of his artistic development or specific works from around 1981. Larry Rivers (1925-2002) was a significant figure in American art, often associated with the Pop Art movement, although his work spanned a broad range of styles and themes. The daughters represented in the films sought to
: The series documented their physical development and transition through puberty into young adulthood.
Currently, Growing (1981) resides in a private collection in New York, though it was exhibited as part of the Larry Rivers: The Last Decade retrospective at the Jewish Museum (then traveling to the Corcoran Gallery) in the mid-1990s. If you are attempting to locate this piece for academic study, your best resource is the Larry Rivers Foundation archives. The work is rarely traded, as it is considered a crown jewel of his late period.
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