Small

Recent trends in contemporary art have meant that we've grown accustomed to large scale pieces, be that huge canvases, enormous sculptures, or giant installations.

However, the miniature has always been an important part of contemporary art. Be it paintings, sculpture, or photography as well as small format drawings, the reduced dimensions of the artwork puts new constraints on the artist, forcing them to develop their techniques and artistic finesse.

Jeff Wall, an American photographer known for his large scale photographic prints on huge illuminated boxes, has said that “the scale of a piece is not about the dimensions of it, but about the internal tensions within the composition".

Believe it or not, miniature pieces have many advantages. Smaller formats allow the artists to show off a different range of talents and techniques, and sometimes even create the impression of a much higher quality piece – such as engravings or prints. Creating a miniature is a sure sign of precision and skill.

They are also more practical to exhibit than the enormous artworks: we've all got a little space on a shelf ready to welcome a miniature sculpture, photo or drawing.

Another very practical aspect of miniatures is the myriad possibilities for display: you could put together a full shelf of statuettes, or even a dedicated framing wall – which is an increasingly popular method for display, and makes for the perfect decorative addition to a living room or bedroom. It's a mixed composition made up of an array of pieces – you guessed it – all on the same wall. The diminutive size of the miniatures also makes it easier to make sure your favourite pieces are displayed in pride of place.

Even artists who are known for their monumental works are slowly getting into miniatures, like Jeff Wall in his exhibition at the Cartier Foundation.

The miniature is making a big name for itself as a growing trend across the contemporary art world; from Gaspard Mitz, who creates tiny versions of the interiors of famous art galleries in his 'Box Stories', to the photography of Samsofy, who recreates scenes from daily life with miniscule Lego 'actors'.

Last but not least, the small scale of the pieces means that even big names come with small price tags, meaning that miniatures make excellent presents. So, go on, what are you waiting for? Browse our selection of miniature works now…

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Small

Sheridan Greens

On the wave

Flowers

After Rain

Sienna Portrait Sculpture 1977

Lean on me

Pirulo

Never give up - Chamberko Christophe Pieux - Auteuil Grand Steeple - Horseracing

Rêves et cauchemars

Bavardage

Oxidra

20-Circus

I wish you

Running out

Gye Nyame I

The Tops of The Trees

Chardons

Emballages

Nourritures du futur I

Whispers of time

Melancholia

Serene reflections

Heavy Thoughts

La Forêt de Pan

Pride in the Garden

Eros Bust

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Bust

The girl who knew too much

Consultation

Anonymous No. 2

Anonymous

Love

Transcend - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Africa

Butterflies - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Africa

Slime

Les Ombrelles - Nature morte aux fleurs

Where Sky Meets Sea

In Love

014 Sookie

Una piazza, in estate

Recueillement

Les Chevaliers du Temple

Champ de coquelicots

Provence

Venise

Sculpture Ethnie - Geisha vert clair

Sculpture Ethnie - Femme africaine vert clair orange avec bébé dos

Bassin de Honfleur

A Look Inside the Mirror

Little Dreamer

Ein-Stein-Zeit

Le retour I

Light step

Growth Series 1-3

Looking Back

Missing you

Femme I

1966 White Paris Blanc Danse au cabaret Cabaret dancing

White Paris Blanc, Parisiens Le Bonjour 1969 Parisians Good Morning

White Paris Blanc La rencontre 1969 The meeting

White Paris Blanc 1969 Passants sur fond pourpre et orangée Passers-by

White Paris Blanc 1969 Quatre Parisiens en conversation Four Parisians in Conversation

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