Growing 1981 Larry Rivers //top\\ Jun 2026

This article explores the context, content, and immense controversy surrounding "Growing" (1981), a series of films and videos in which Larry Rivers documented the physical maturation of his young daughters, Emma and Gwynne. 1. The Context: A "Bad Boy" Chronicling Change

: The daughters spent decades in therapy processing the emotional fallout of their father's actions. growing 1981 larry rivers

In this article, we explore the Growing series (1981), its context within Rivers’ career, the artistic and ethical questions it raises, and its legacy in contemporary art discussions. This article explores the context, content, and immense

: Rivers was known for "smashing sexual taboos," previously painting his aging ex-mother-in-law naked in Double Portrait of Berdie Current Status & Legacy In this article, we explore the Growing series

However, the experience had a significant impact on the subjects involved:

: In recent years, his daughter Emma Tamburlini has publicly stated she felt extremely uncomfortable and did not consent to the filming.

The series is often cited as a prime example of Rivers' "taboo-busting" nature overstepping ethical boundaries. It gained significant media attention in 2010 when his daughters sought the return of the footage from New York University. Career Milestones in 1981