These texts that we now publish in the context of ICOCEP and its 1st International Congress on Contemporary European Painting, which took place at the School of Arts of the University of Porto with the support of its research centre i2ADS, gather papers and reflective documents about diverse themes distributed through sections and debate sessions.

The forum had multiple moderations with pertinent impact, and constituted a significant moment on the lives of its participants that came from many institutions that wanted to be present at this important event.

This volume is published in order to increase the congress’ impact and that a wider number of interested researchers and practitioners are able to have access to what took place and how the subject of Painting, its creation and contemporary research was pertinently approached.

Hoping that it serves as the preparation for the 2nd congress, these documents are testaments to the work of artists, academics, researchers and students of fine arts, who have dedicated great attention to this demanding and always renewed Painting discipline. This publication aims therefore to make a substantial contribution to research in Painting within Higher Education. It is a reflection of work undertaken in both our research centre and also in the wider academic context. In a constantly evolving discipline, it is surely a contribution for its near future.

Francisco Laranjo