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

Beach Car

Porquerolles plage

In a Pig's Eye

French greetings

Unwanted Attention

Chrome Envy

Pausing on the Trail

When the Sun comes in

Stojkowo

Flower Hill sunset I

Code 2227

Code 2223

Weir GroÃŸe Aue

Monde intérieur

Havre de paix

Existence12

Existence10

Jardin Valsansibio ( Série reflets)

Romantic City Park

Houses with Red Roofs

Arbre et or

Midnight Meeting

Journey Through the Hills

Summer Meadow

Summer Pinks

Harmony Peaks: White Church Alpine Mountains

Le Domaine

Sunset at the Park

Weekend by the sea

Sonneblumen

Foothils - sky

Enjoying the roses

Chasing the sunshine

Dream city Prague

Vast VII

Où est Charlie ? V

Les promenades 7

Les promenades 6

Les Tournesols

Sheep at the Wiembecke, Hornoldendorf

Les promenades 5

Les promenades 4

High

Carpe Diem

Mon jardin d'Eden édition d'art

Unusual activity

Arbre caillou baillant aux corneilles

Nuage XXXI (paysage, ciel)

Let's Stay Up Late

Blackcomb Vista #2

Canopy Reflections

Canopy Dreams

La porte dérobée

Ecluse du Canal du Midi

Foins en Auvergne

Compo-village (2)

Star lights

Spring Landscape

Mas du Luberon

Ciel d'orage sur le Port

Barques en Cornouailles

Géographie improbable 3

Swallow No. 40

Salt Wind Memory

The Scarecrow Painter

Sola 7