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

U.S Comics

Time Bokan - Camouflage pink

Le Liquide Blanc

Famous PB

Titi JO 2024

Burnout ( White )

A Moment of Rest

And Then... All Things Good and Bad, All Days Fine and Rough

Royal Selangor Arabesque Golden 400%

I'm sorry Vermeer

Oeil Fou

Je Te Vois

Dog Save the Queen

Mode Avion

Serpent’s Wratah

Grindstone 4

Grindstone 2

Goldorak UFO Grendizer 2

Standing bear

Accumulation bleu

Howling Wolf

Horse

The Dream

Shit Classic

I'm Sorry Mona Lisa

Passion

Grimpette

Kourbettes

Big Bear Vogue

Frute Brute

Franken Berry

Boo Berry

Companion Flayed Red

Something to lick mini #027

Something to lick mini #023

Off Topic

Señorito

And Then x 6 (Blue: The Superflat Method)

All Dente

Plan de métro Felix le chat

Plaque de métro Coyote

Batman

Plan de métro la panthère rose(1)

Isis’ Strength

Big Bear Chanel

What Party Pink

Pop Snoopy

Grindstone 3

Spiteful

Hay Café

Medusas’ Protective Gaze

Boom

Superbat

Spiderwoman

Too much cat

Panda Family and Me

Atlas & Gold Glove

Take my Heart

Hercules in Flight

David in Meditation with Neon Design

The Gold World

The Art of Conversation with Marry Poppins

Raw Complete Collection

Colors mood

Mondrian mood

I'm sorry Munch