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

Japanese Ikebana

Bulls Eye

The Evening Meal

Illusion

Oh la la

Ohlala

Flower Hill sunset I

Blue Shemp

Perplexe

Nordlys

Miracles III, Painting, Acrylic on canvas

Nina, Mixed Media on Watercolor Paper

Mon Asile

Romantic City Park

Houses with Red Roofs

Bodies&Spaces 5

Bodies &Spaces 7

Bodies&Spaces 9

Bodies&Spaces 10

Journey Through the Hills

Laguna

Golden Glow

Waterfall

Summer Rain

Ember

Still Life (Flowers)

The Veiled Vestal Virgin Handmade Sculpture for Home Decor

Eros

Paint Roy Lichtenstein Colors

Wedding Night

Porsche 911 Colors

Whimsical Chick

Love machine

Lucien Teddy Bear No27

Unusual activity

Nocturnal Harbour

Abstract Burst of Colors

L'oiseau

Chaotic Harmony

Crazy lips

Glide on water

The Shape Shifter

Untitled m1131

LA PETITE DANSE DES PAPILLONS

Within Chaos

Echoes of the Forgotten

Innocent Vanity Fair

At dawn - abstract marine landscape

Where are you? 1

It Looks Like Love

Lake Annecy

Fourvière

Lisboa

Landscaping-CXXXVII

Autumn

Delhi Schoolgirl,

Field of Color III

Field of color

Groundswell

379 Orange sun

381 going for a spin

382 coming from space

385 Piazza di Spagna

La rosée de printemps

Blast number 4

Blast number 5

Blast number 6

398 Lava Mountain, Painting, Acrylic on wood panel