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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Categories

Subcategories

Small

Generaciones

Der Bär - Gold - The Bear Gold Leaf Edition

Egg girl in green

Sleepy

Big Horns

Torn

Personnages

Deagan

Envol V

Bouquet et livre

Trinité blue bubbles - Série Trinité - Portrait Pop art cubisme

Venecia

I'm fine

Petit sentier en forêt

Watermelon_01

People Conversation

Homage to Vincent

Wahou

Consecration

Village sous la neige

SAMOURAI Acteur de Kabuki

Twins

L'Oasis Algérien

Cheval rouge

Reposando

Montana Black (Yellow) Handfinished

Cream rose on dark brown background

Royal wedding

Water lily

Entre Chien et Moi

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Roses du jardin

Nature morte

Paysage du lac

Maison à la toiture rouge

Pace du village animée

Picado original

La vieillesse consolant la jeunesse 1987

Les trois barques

Barques de pêcheurs et pêcheurs au port au clair de lune

Ruisseau de montagne

Bouquet de roses

Tout juste mariés

Barocco 12

A(A-Un)

Le Cube

Destructuration 2/8

Girl

David Beckham

Little Sun

Dolce Vita

You Will See (Part 3)

Vanité 2

Raz'ebala Vse Ebalo

Playboy

Visions

Dame à l'éventail

La Tendance

Jeune fille au serre tête rouge et étude de nu

Journal d'un confiné - 4

Salma

Summernights

Kampa do Rio Amônea Indigenous Territory, State of Acre, Brazil (M)

Buffle noir

Madone avec enfants et angelot

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