Based on reviews from the time (notably from The Village Voice and Artforum) and scant archival descriptions, Growing follows Rivers as he installs a massive outdoor sculpture garden at the Old York Road Country Club in New Jersey—a site-specific project involving 12 bronze figures depicting athletes, dancers, and bathers in various states of motion and repose.
Key scenes in the documentary include:
The film is only 58 minutes long, shot on 16mm film in grainy, naturalistic light. Unlike slick art documentaries (e.g., Rivers and Tides about Andy Goldsworthy), Growing is deliberately amateurish—rejecting a linear narrative in favor of a “diary” approach.
Growing (1981) is a documentary focused on artist Larry Rivers (1923–2002), an influential figure in postwar American art known for bridging Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art with figurative painting, sculpture, and performance. The film follows Rivers during a later phase of his career, capturing his studio practice, personal reflections, interactions with collaborators, and the cultural context of his work.
If you’re searching for a Larry Rivers Growing documentary download link, please avoid pirate sites. The film is not widely circulating illegally either—its obscurity works against piracy. Instead, try these legitimate avenues:
Follow Microcinema International or Icarus Films—they sometimes rescue lost art documentaries. Pressure them by expressing interest.
This documentary is a masterclass in 20th-century American art history. It connects the beats of jazz, the strokes of the brush, and the politics of the art world. Whether you download it to see Rivers' paintings or to study de Antonio's filmmaking, focus on the interplay between the artist's ego and their cultural output.
No legal direct download link exists for Growing (1981) due to:
What you might find (use caution):
Ethical alternative: Contact the Estate of Larry Rivers (via Tibor de Nagy Gallery, NYC) or MoMA’s Film Study Center to request a research screening.
Final verdict: Growing is a fascinating, prickly artifact of 1981 downtown New York art-film crossbreeding. But if you see a “free download link,” it’s almost certainly a bootleg—and likely a poor transfer. For the full, muddy, glorious 16mm experience, seek out an archive.
The documentary "Growing" (1981) featuring Larry Rivers is a fascinating watch for art enthusiasts and fans of the artist. Larry Rivers was an American artist known for his work in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and filmmaking.
In "Growing," Rivers explores themes of identity, creativity, and the human condition. The documentary offers a unique glimpse into Rivers' life and artistic process, providing insight into his inspirations and motivations.
If you're interested in learning more about Larry Rivers or watching the documentary, you might be wondering where to find it. Some online platforms may have the documentary available for streaming or download.
When searching for the documentary, make sure to use reputable sources to avoid any potential risks or copyright issues. You can try searching on popular streaming platforms or online marketplaces that specialize in documentaries and art-related content.
Keep in mind that availability and accessibility may vary depending on your location and the platforms available in your region.
Would you like to know more about Larry Rivers' artwork or is there something specific you'd like to explore further?
The documentary you're looking for, (1981), is a highly controversial and sensitive work by the late American artist Larry Rivers
. Due to its disturbing nature and ongoing legal and ethical disputes,
there are no legitimate public download links or streaming platforms for this film What is the documentary "Growing"?
Between 1976 and 1981, Larry Rivers used a video camera to document his two adolescent daughters, Gwynne and Emma, at six-month intervals. The Subject Matter:
The film focuses on their physical development, specifically their changing bodies, emerging breasts, and genitals. The Intent:
Rivers edited this footage into a 45-minute film in 1981, intended for public exhibition. The Fallout:
The girls' mother, Clarice, intervened to stop the public showing, and the tapes were locked away in Rivers' private archives. The Controversy & Legal Status The film resurfaced in 2010 when the Larry Rivers Foundation attempted to donate Rivers' archives to New York University (NYU) The Backlash:
One of his daughters, Emma Rivers Tamburlini, publicly condemned the film as child pornography and stated that being forced to participate contributed to her developing severe eating disorders. NYU's Reaction: Following the public outcry and Emma's demands, NYU returned the films
to the Larry Rivers Foundation to avoid hosting potentially illegal material. Current Availability: --- Documentary Growing 1981 Larry Rivers LINK Download
The film is currently restricted and held by the family or foundation. It is not available for public consumption
because of the serious ethical and legal concerns surrounding the non-consensual filming of minors. Where to Learn More about Larry Rivers
If you are interested in Rivers' career as a pioneer of Pop Art without the ethical complications of , you can explore these legitimate resources: Biographical Documentaries: Films like Larry Rivers: An American Master
provide a broad look at his impact on the 1950s New York art scene. Recent Perspectives: The 2024 film Larry Rivers: Bad Boy of the Art World
explores both his artistic talent and his controversial private life. Archive Details:
You can find a list of his other film projects, including less controversial works like Africa and I Larry Rivers Foundation website or other documentaries from the 1980s art scene
New York University Returns Films of Larry Rivers's Children 19 Jul 2010 —
. The film consists of footage Rivers shot of his two adolescent daughters, Emma and Gwynne, over a six-year period from 1976 to 1981. Historical Context and Controversy
The documentary became a subject of significant ethical and legal debate decades after its creation. The project involved a longitudinal study of his children's development, but the methods used and the nature of the footage led to a long-standing dispute regarding the boundary between artistic expression and the privacy of the subjects. Archival and Legal Disputes
The controversy reached a peak following the artist's death in 2002: Institutional Rejection
: When the Larry Rivers Foundation attempted to donate the artist's archives to New York University (NYU), the university eventually declined to keep the "Growing" tapes. The decision was influenced by the sensitive nature of the material and concerns raised by the subjects involved. Family Objections
: One of the daughters, Emma, publicly criticized the filming process, describing the experience as distressing and citing a lack of meaningful consent. This led to legal efforts to prevent the public display or distribution of the footage. Return of Materials
: In 2010, NYU returned the specific films to the Larry Rivers Foundation to ensure they were not made part of a public scholarly archive, citing the need to respect the privacy and requests of the family members depicted. Availability and Access
Due to the legal restrictions and the private nature of the footage involving minors, "Growing" is not available for public download, streaming, or commercial distribution. Major film archives and libraries withhold this specific material from public access to comply with privacy laws and ethical standards.
For those interested in a biographical overview of the artist's career and a critical look at these controversies, the 2023 documentary "Larry Rivers: Bad Boy of the Art World" provides a professional analysis of his life and work through a modern lens.
Information regarding Larry Rivers' broader contributions to the Pop Art movement and his documented collaborations with other 20th-century artists remains widely available through traditional art history resources.
New York University Returns Films of Larry Rivers's Children
There are no legal download links or public distribution channels available for Larry Rivers's 1981 documentary project, "
The project remains highly controversial and legally restricted from public distribution due to serious claims of child exploitation and emotional trauma. 🎞️ About the Project Creator: Pop artist Larry Rivers
Timeline: Filmed at six-month intervals between 1976 and 1981
Format: Edited into a 45-minute film intended for an exhibition in 1981
Subject: Rivers documented his two adolescent daughters, Emma and Gwynne, as they went through puberty
Content: The artist filmed them naked or topless while asking questions about their changing bodies and sexuality ⚖️ The Controversy & Helpful Review
Rather than a traditional film review, public discourse surrounding "Growing" focuses entirely on ethics, consent, and the boundary between art and crime:
The Family's Opposition: The girls' mother stopped the public exhibition in 1981. Later in life, daughter Emma Rivers Tamburlini publicly condemned the project, labeling it nothing less than "child pornography" and citing her father's behavior as a direct cause for severe eating disorders and years of required therapy. Based on reviews from the time (notably from
The Legal Tug-of-War: After Rivers died in 2002, his archive was sold to New York University (NYU). Upon realizing the contents of the tapes and the family's deep opposition, NYU returned the footage to the Larry Rivers Foundation to prevent it from entering their archives.
Critical Reception: Media outlets like Vanity Fair and publications on Glasstire have overwhelmingly reviewed the project not as a cinematic piece, but as a gross violation of parental boundaries and an exploitation of minors under the guise of high art.
If you are looking for an accessible documentary regarding the life and art of Larry Rivers that does not feature this blocked footage, you may consider watching the authorized biographical documentary Larry Rivers: Bad Boy of the Art World on GATHR which explores his career and the complex controversies surrounding his personal life.
If you want to look at more standard art documentaries or read more about the intersection of art and ethics, let me know how you prefer to proceed.
Art vs. The Destruction of Innocence | - The Art | Crime Archive
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.
Larry Rivers' 1981 documentary Growing, which filmed his daughters in various states of undress, is widely considered a controversial work and is unavailable for authorized download due to ethical concerns raised by his subjects. The film led to significant debate regarding artistic freedom and child exploitation, prompting its rejection by institutions like NYU and the restriction of its public display. For more on the controversy and a related documentary, visit Dan's Papers.
New York University Returns Films of Larry Rivers's Children
The Fascinating Life and Art of Larry Rivers: A Documentary Growing in 1981
Larry Rivers was a true American original, a pioneering artist who defied categorization and convention throughout his life and career. Born in 1923 in Brooklyn, New York, Rivers was a painter, sculptor, filmmaker, and writer who made an indelible mark on the art world. His innovative and often provocative works continue to inspire and influence artists to this day. In 1981, a documentary film about Rivers' life and art was released, offering a unique glimpse into the mind and creative process of this multifaceted artist.
Early Life and Career
Rivers' early life was marked by a passion for art and a rebellious spirit. Growing up in Brooklyn, he was fascinated by the world of art and music, and began drawing and painting at a young age. After serving in the US Army during World War II, Rivers studied art at the Pratt Institute and later at the New School for Social Research. It was during this period that he began to develop his distinctive style, which blended elements of Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and assemblage.
The Art of Larry Rivers
Rivers' art is characterized by its eclecticism and experimentation. He was one of the first artists to combine painting and sculpture, creating large-scale assemblages that incorporated found objects and industrial materials. His works often featured bold colors and irreverent humor, as well as references to popular culture and art history. Rivers was also a prolific filmmaker, making several short films and documentaries that showcased his artistic process and creative philosophy.
The 1981 Documentary: "Larry Rivers"
The 1981 documentary "Larry Rivers" was directed by Jack O'Brien and produced by the public television station WNET in New York. The film offers a comprehensive overview of Rivers' life and art, featuring interviews with the artist himself, as well as critics, curators, and fellow artists. Through a series of insightful and often humorous interviews, Rivers shares his thoughts on art, creativity, and the role of the artist in society.
Download the Documentary
For those interested in learning more about Larry Rivers and his art, the 1981 documentary is a must-see. While it may not be widely available on traditional television or streaming platforms, there are several ways to download or access the film. You can download the documentary "Larry Rivers" (1981) from online archives and databases, such as the Internet Archive or Vimeo. These platforms offer a range of options for accessing and downloading the film, including free and paid streaming services.
The Legacy of Larry Rivers
Larry Rivers passed away in 2002, but his art and legacy continue to thrive. His works are held in the collections of major museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Rivers' influence can be seen in the work of countless artists, from Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns to Ellen Gallagher and Julian Schnabel.
Conclusion
The 1981 documentary "Larry Rivers" is a fascinating and insightful look at the life and art of this innovative American artist. Through its candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, the film offers a unique glimpse into Rivers' creative process and artistic philosophy. For anyone interested in modern and contemporary art, the documentary is a valuable resource and a testament to the enduring legacy of Larry Rivers.
Biography and Filmography
Resources
Image Credits
By exploring the life and art of Larry Rivers, we can gain a deeper understanding of the creative forces that shaped modern and contemporary art. The 1981 documentary "Larry Rivers" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in art, history, and culture, and its availability for download offers a unique opportunity to engage with the artist's work and legacy.
I’m unable to provide a direct download link for the documentary Growing (1981) by Larry Rivers, as sharing copyrighted material without authorization would violate policy. However, I can offer useful context and legal pathways to access the work.
About the documentary Growing (1981)
Growing is a experimental documentary co-directed by American artist Larry Rivers (1923–2002), known for his figurative paintings and multimedia works. The film explores themes of aging, family, and creativity, blending Rivers’ personal reflections with staged and observational footage. It features Rivers’ own family, including his mother, and examines the passage of time through an intimate, avant-garde lens. The film was part of Rivers’ broader engagement with filmmaking alongside his visual art.
How to access or view the film legally
If you’d like, I can help locate a library that holds a copy or provide a detailed synopsis and critical analysis of the film instead.
The documentary project Growing" (1981) is a highly controversial work by the prominent American artist Larry Rivers
. Often described as a "video-series" or a 45-minute edited film, it captures an intimate and disputed part of the artist's personal life and legacy. The New York Times Overview of "Growing" Production:
Larry Rivers filmed his two daughters, Gwynne and Emma, at six-month intervals from 1976 to 1981
The series features the girls (starting at age 11) being interviewed by Rivers about their changing bodies
and puberty. The footage includes the girls appearing naked or topless, with Rivers asking explicit questions about their physical development.
In 1981, Rivers edited approximately five years of footage into a 45-minute film intended for exhibition. The Controversy
The project has remained largely unexhibited due to its sensitive nature and the objections of its subjects: Ethical Concerns:
One of Rivers' daughters, Emma Tamburlini, has publicly condemned the films, describing them as "child pornography" and noting that the filming process contributed to her developing an eating disorder. Legal & Institutional Disputes: In 2010, the Larry Rivers Foundation attempted to donate the series to New York University (NYU)
as part of Rivers' archive. Following public outcry and the daughters' objections, NYU returned the "Growing" tapes to the family, stating the materials were "problematic" and that their inclusion in the archive was a surprise. Access and Downloads no official public link to download or stream
the "Growing" series. Due to the ethical and legal controversies surrounding the privacy of the subjects, the footage is strictly restricted: Larry Rivers Foundation
has historically requested that the series remain restricted during the daughters' lifetimes. While other documentaries about Rivers, such as Larry Rivers: Bad Boy of the Art World
, explore his life and include mentions of his boundary-pushing work, "Growing" itself is not available for general public consumption. Are you researching this for a biographical study
on Larry Rivers, or are you looking for more information on the legal debates regarding artist archives and privacy?
New York University Returns Films of Larry Rivers's Children 19 Jul 2010 —
Based on the title provided, this appears to be a reference to "Growing Up in America: The Role of the Artist" (often shorted to just "Growing" or "Growing Up"), a 1981 documentary directed by the renowned photographer Emile de Antonio.
The subject, Larry Rivers, was a pivotal figure in the art world—a musician turned painter who is often cited as the "Godfather" of Pop Art and a precursor to Neo-Dadaism.
Here is a guide to understanding, contextualizing, and analyzing this documentary.
Contact the foundation directly (based in New York). They have a small archive and may allow scholarly or research access to the 16mm print. They will not provide a digital download, but they might arrange a private screening or reference copy for a fee.
The documentary places Rivers among his peers. You will see or hear about: