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

Iris No. 174

Iris No. 154

November Branches No. 17

The Supernova Remnant

Wild Rose No. 18

Shadow Study No. 9

Shadow Study No. 8

Shadow Study No. 7

Magnolia No. 48

Lily No. 12

Wild Rose No. 16

The Woods No. 150

The Woods No. 149

Iris No. 149

Hellebore No. 22

Le bouquet de Gilles

Petite histoire

White Water Lilies on the Pond

Blue Splash

Flowers

Fleurs 14 V - aquatinte originale

Native Elements n°32

Iris Flower Field

L'arrivée de l'Oiseau de Feu

Japanese Red Maple Tree

Summerfield Season

Soft spring

Whispers of Poppies

Tramonto

Fungis spirit

Space Flower I

Préparation d'affiche "Fête des fleurs, Genève"

Fleur de béton

Little men

Flowers flowers and flowers-3

Flowers flowers and flowers-2

Flowers flowers and flowers-1

Clarté

Cognassier du japon II

Cognassier du japon

Cactus in the sun

Tender Feelings - Pink Peony Bouquet of Flowers Pastel Color Palette

Winter cherry

IX (Lilium)

XI (Kohleria)

Sunflowers Near The Blue Curtain - sunflowers still life painting

Eclat printanier

Sunset Above The Fireweed Field - original summer landscape painting

Farandole des rêveuse en robe parme - Paysage marin de Nouvelle Calédonie

Flowery field II

Flowery field III

Message d'amour

Rose lumière

Trompette de Virginie

Being is love / 337

Printemps

Blooming 3

Blooming

Roses

Dreamy roses

Sans titre (1)

Black Iris - Size S

Crimson Beauty

Yampa River

Sunset

Wildflower Bouquet