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

Malgré ce qu'ils disent

Junglekreek

Paysage 7

Infiniment bleu 5

Vision d'un rêve

Nature d'un rêve

Paysage côtier

La vie est belle

Demeure des marais

Abécédaire

Le sentier côtier

Dialog

Voltage

Landscapes 195

Landscapes 197

Landscapes 193

Landscape 192

Landscapes 190

Landscape 189

Landscapes 161

Landscapes 162

Landscape sketch 69

Landscape sketch 46

Sudden Change

Morning Sun

Patio Bleu

Morning peace

Mystic River

Monuments Men

Fragile Beauty III

Myst 604

Experiencing rückkehrunruhe

Landscape sketch 49

Shining water- Sunset Over Mountain River Captivating Oil Painting with Warm Evening Hues

Ciel zebré rose et bleu

Rippled Light

Remaining Light

Eden VI (Etude)

Equilibre

Lueurs sous les Palmiers

Subjective landscape.

Un lac déborde

Les arbres vivants

Les jardins de Fontainebleau

Douceur des neiges

Campervan seen from the water

Recueillement

Cascade

Gamin à la lance

Paysage chinois 11

Paysage chinois

Nymphéas bleu

Paysages de Chine 22

Find an Hotel Tree 1

Douceur hivernale

Soleil Jaune

Soleil Japonais sur Jungle

Riders on the Storm

Lotus

Crossroads

Sheep With Red Drinking

Day Tripper

Oiseaux de mer

Ray of Hope

Penguins Just Want To Have Fun

Rivage de pêcheurs