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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Sphères #43

Brown Artistic Jardiniere

Xemeneies Gaudinianes, Serie IV - Limited Edition

Xemeneies Gaudinianes, Serie III - Limited Edition

Pêcheur de rêve et son chat 39

Pêcheur de rêve 46

Traces et signes illumination

Traces et signes illumination

Traces et signes illumination

Sans Titre I, série Prism

Sans Titre I, série Ground Loop

Egg Study 11

Egg Study 9

Egg Study 8

L'origine version noir et blanc

“La escalera invisible” No.1

Fancy Nona

Elio spark, From the series winter soul

Contemplation

River in Contour

Ferro brillant

Jump

Sea Aesthetic

Maeduep: heart. Stool

Xemeneies Gaudinianes, Serie I - Limited Edition

Méditation noir et blanc

3FD-17

Corne d'abondance 2

Cage / Sans titre

Cage / Sans titre

Cage / Sans titre

Cage / Sans titre

Cage / Sans titre

Cage / Sans titre

Seul au Monde - S

Il presente

Megève winter

Spinnaker R40

Fort Bloqué

Trace 21

Méditation ZEN orange

Monochrome

Indigo Reflection

Traces et signes Méditation lumière zen

Rivages - Coffret Prestige # 2 - Portfolio de 6 photos

Step by Step - Coffret Prestige # 1 - Portfolio de 6 photos

Swing

Megève winter

Megève winter

Megève winter

Megève winter

Inoxys I

C3RR1R02-24

N°11

Méditation Roune Jaune

Les objets visuels sont des tout 4

Moonwhile

La mer des Rêves round edition 1/50

Tree of life 2. Acrylic painting

Cinta recostada

La Mer Des Rêves - Single edition

Zen Minimalism. Orange, Purple and Pink Stones in Ultramarine Blue Water

Estive 1

Le cadre fait figure

The Shadows of White I

The Shadows of White XVI