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

Calanque méditerranéenne

Jeux intenses (2)

Magic Warhol

Rojo y azul celeste

Dragon fruit and green marbles swirl composition n°4

Rising

Tangled

The little red garden

As the Wind Blows---Etude I

Beyond Duality, Chroma Concentrics #3

Escape Hatch

Donald X Picasso

Duo Red

Conversations with my Inner Child 4:27

Upcycle #1 Celebration

Radiance

Preocupació Preferida

Bird of Paridise

Abstract No. 2024

Profile of Abstraction

The Spirit Remains

Onelineflopstyle N°9

Tug

nations

Three Screams

Serenade 2

Lobster

Chauchita

Uma

Onirik survol

Untitled

Garden of Eden

Portrait fétiche

Cosmic Profile (original mixed media and watercolor)

Fruit Loops

Gelb-Rot-Blau-Braun

No Title

Snowfall

Cascade

Fragmented Landscape (3D)

Burbuja segura

Fleurs

Forgoing an aisle seat

Pardon Me... Is that the Chattanooga Choo-Choo?

405 Under the sea, Painting, Acrylic on wood panel

City legends

Seaflower

Abstraction

S.t

Poupées

Footnote V

Homage to Vincent

Sha La La

Conscience

Les trois barques

Dawn and a Big Hill

Girl

Mental Overload

How to strange to feel so weird

Magic

Positive energy

Framed Color World II

Oru aoi aita hana EA 6/7

In the spotlight

Concert irregular

Untitled

Landscape

Sun and water