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

Tinku 1

Vibe Rant 1

Ray Ray - Crowned Purple and Blue Monster

Driving love and hope one who lights the dark

The Autumn I

Ricordo futurista

Uh Oh

Ryan Schneider

2020 IV – 2

70

Dusk

Karnta Jukurrpa (Womens Dreaming)

Collegiate

Digital error #002

The Garden of Eden

Jellyfish 1

Organism 1.4

#3400 I. "o.T."

Audith Rhodes

Diary Notes

Like a pirate

Study

Hommage à Otto Freundlich I

Paisaje de Ensueño I

Somptueuse

Tuskli Pilat - Série Art Dynamique graphique

Les Joyeux

Untitled

Instrument

Untitled

Plus loin que Matisse

Miro’s Dilemma

Gaudi II

Les fromages de chèvre

Go Your Own Way

Pions - d'échec - Surréalisme et imaginaire

Grid number 5

Vive les fleurs multicolores

The Three Virgins of Aragon

C5B1RN-24

Summer Flower Vol. 2

Untitled

Maci (Teddy Bear)

Meltdown Paw's Midnight Snak

068

Untitled de Matilisguate

Sam #8 – Sculpture résine pop colorée

In her eyes, a lifetime

Pedestal

L'orage

Patways to bliss 12

Dialogue entre voisins 1

Custom vas et vive les fleurs

Intérieur

Epreuve sans titre

Hunter

Academie Française (RF06)

Daydreaming/5

Rainbow Star of David

Liberty Leading People by Basquiat

Woman

Aus der Serie: Mystische Thai-Visionen: Heilige Pilze und Blumen (11)

Untitled

Composition I

Mandala 8A

La salamandre