Picturing People: The New State of the Art

There's a little bit of everything in here - a lot of fun. It was published in 2015, so may not have the hottest new things included (as the other reviewer seems to complain) - but there are plentiful large reproductions of compelling work from dozens of artists.

**art is subjective** BUT it is my subjective opinion that this book is an extremely bad selection. There is no shortage of phenomenal contemporary figuritive painters working in a range of styles. Julie tuyett Curtiss, Jonathan Lyndon Chase, Gahee park, Lou Fratino, Matthew Wong, Kyle Staver..just naming some at random and in no particular order....none of which are in this book. Probably about 5 of the contemporary painters in this book are good: Kerry James Marshall, Nicole Eisenman are in there at least. For the most part it is very bad empty paintings. Grey and creepy photo real style with some blurry brushtrokes on top to imply hipness. Some of the inclusions are so suspect that I would bet everything I have that the editor had stake/investment/a favor owed to the art collectors, dealers, or galleries that stand to benefit from the legitimacy such a book can lend an artist. A clear attempt to equate vastly inferior work with the work of the few notable (and expensive) artists. Ideal audience: collectors who wont know the difference. If you're into banksy or kaws this could be a good book for you! If you're into contemporary figuritive & narrative painting you're going to be deeply disappointed.

Fantastic varied images of current figurative painting

Great Book about contemporary figurative art, featuring also interesting newcomers!! Definateley worth buying!!

Un des livres les plus intéressants que je connaisse sur la peinture contemporaine, avec des artistes peu médiatisés de grand talent comme Anna Bjerger ou Pere Llobera. Vivement recommandé !

In this companion to 2006's Painting People, art critic Charlotte Mullins explores the latest wave of figurative art in the contemporary marketplace, both celebrating individual artists and contemplating why figuration has become a popular yet again. […] Figurative art is a broad subject, but Mullins's astute overview pairs powerfully with the selected images, offering a perceptive argument for the enduring range and power of figuration into the 21st century.

A very good collection of contemporary painters, good reproductions, and good variety. A good book for seeing different techniques.