The book investigates the evolving definition and practice of painting in the United States and Europe from the mid-1960s to the early 2000s. It explores how painting's boundaries have become flexible, intersecting with sculpture, photography, and architecture, and highlights the points where these disciplines converge and diverge. The work is structured around an exhibition of the same name, featuring essays by the author and contributions from the exhibiting artists and commentators.

The book is presented as a scholarly examination accompanying a major art exhibition, suggesting it offers in-depth analysis for those interested in contemporary art history. The inclusion of essays by both the curator and participating artists indicates a multi-faceted perspective on the works and the themes explored. The structure, featuring detailed commentaries on specific artists, points to a resource valuable for understanding individual practices within a broader artistic context. The focus on the "flexible boundaries" of painting implies a critical engagement with established definitions and a forward-looking perspective on artistic evolution.