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

Flexo Be Lover 4 Violet

Toffee - Johnnie Walker Red Label

The woman (a tribute to Picasso)

Maradona

The dream (a tribute to Picasso)

Spanish woman (a tribute to Picasso)

One dollar rolls black

One dollar

Apple

Boulle et Bill

Dream Forever

Orpou

Star Shivar Pilule Bleue

Michelin China - Blue Dragon

Michelin China white - Blue wave

Hokusai Animaux

Marilyn Warhol Banane

Ai Weiwei - To Be Looked At...

Lovers

Plan de métro Schtroumpf

Pistolet Us Air Force

The Butterfly Black

Campbell's

Fashion dynamite

Fashion rocket

Amex Stormtrooper

Rue du Pont-aux-Choux

Be dreamer 5 noir

Gacko bear LV mate

Truck Portfolio

Daydream

Chupa Chups (Green)

Reflet d'ébène EA

Marilyn Monroe Cappuccino

Be desperate 3

Be sporty 1

Million Dollar Mickey

One Dollar USA To Rob a Bank (Red Ed)

Moya créateur de son personnage

Sonic Vs Mario Split - EA

Vegeta Soup

In love we trust (a tribute to Banksy)

Raw Soup

Kaws Soup

Hope Soup

Fly away (a tribute to Banksy)

AMEX Goldorak

AMEX Gold Banker

Amex Ferrari

Vive les fleurs et cool

Gorille Tiffany and co

Giraffe Design Sculpture

King Gorilla Design Sculpture

Normal is boring

Miss coquille graffiti

Miss coquille tag

Miss Coquille Hip Hop

Miss Coquille Boom

Flexo Be Audacious 1 blanc

Shakespeare Today Handmade Sculpture for Home Decor

Flexo Be Zen 3 noir

Flexo Be Cool 1 bleu

Flexo Be Lover 5 Blanc

Eve

Coke! Brut 2020

Snoopy Love