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

Water Wheels, China. Silver gelatin print

Island

Galleon

Delayed Departure

Anchor

Mariage

Jeune femme

Amphiprions

Nest Eggs

Bravade à Saint Tropez

Le Ballet du grand Fleuve

Quand la brume s’étend

Vies en vue - moyen - 2 (1)

Angry Dockers

Two Girls and a Tyre

Flying Circus

BIOS-PG-N-XVII

Angry Dockers

BB King On Stage - Guitar Starlight, LA Forum

Mingus

Two faced

Where Art Thou

Baby Love Bug

Egg Study 4 , Silver Gelatin Print

Genesis

André Villers Photograph of Picasso's Atelier

Brainstorming Trees

Muguet-racine

Fantastique N°1

Fantastique N°6

Sans 3

Sans 2

Story of Love N°1 - Size S

Rhythmogramm Triennale

Rhythmogramm Klangfläche

Le rêveur, de la série "Les Bouquinistes"

Bear Hug

Stone Crossing, China. Silver gelatin print

Long white shirt. Silver gelatin print

Oasis, Burma

Signal

Vignoble champenois 2

Pinot Meunier

Maïs

Forêt d'Ardenne

Cohésion

Chardonnay1

Céréales 2

Céréales 1

Architecture

Après l'orage, Savoie

Dansons sous la pluie

Pain et couteau

Null Uhr

End of History

Trouville à l'aube

Mains sur la tête

Prendre l'air

Le Club de Mickey

À la Foire

L'ombrelle

Cours de dessin

Deux Canotiers

Les parapluies de...

Au Spectacle

Chabrol - Les Plats de Saint-Clément