vitamin p4 new perspectives in contemporary art

Author: Phaidon Editors
Publication date  : February 18, 2026
Print length : 288 pages

An essential global survey of the most exciting contemporary painters, as selected by the world’s leading art experts

Painting is one of the oldest art forms, with roots in prehistoric caves, ancient Roman villas, and Renaissance portraiture. Today, a new generation of artists experiment, innovate, and breathe new life into this enduring medium. From immersive exhibitions with massive wall paintings to quiet, minuscule compositions, Vitamin P4: New Perspectives in Painting brings together 108 artists from 44 countries, showcasing the best contemporary painters around the world.

Nominated by high-profile art experts including museum directors, curators, historians, and critics, the featured artists range from established names to emerging stars. Each artist is represented by richly illustrated pages of their work, both individual paintings and exhibition views, as well as informative texts, giving readers an inclusive overview of their practice.

Exciting, inspiring, and essential to followers of contemporary art, this new iteration of Phaidon’s renowned Vitamin P books offers the definitive guide to the medium of painting today.