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

ID Forme 31

Untitled

Ampersand

Coeur en miettes

Self-Portrait 24.82

Utopia B

Precious land A

Zukroy

Mes petits bonheurs A

From The Narrow View

Volatile en lignes

La Mer

Large pool

Gem I

Rouages

Port en origami 2

Ombre et lumière

Sphères #42

CB6P-24

Levitation IV

Vertical dislocado

Anverso Derecha 100 / 500 Valor Real Diptych

Abstrait Bleu n°4

Cog (Teal)

Urban

Cap à l'ouest

Myriade rouge

Irruption. (noir)

Atmosphère (2)

Sphères convoitées

Canoë kayak

Skate

Géométrie

Géométrie II

Bleu outremer

Heart n°4

Engrenage onirique

Game cube 2

Loge P4

Isidore 24.01

Tour 24.05

Architecture du Pouvoir 24.06

C bleu

C orange

C rose

Faded

Message

Messenger

Enclosed

Articulation 22.03

The Sunrise II

Cercle - cadmium

Cercle - naples

Cercle - ocre

Dissidents

White Now

Greguerias 3

My Path has been stretched

Jamaica

Aquaculture 3

Manège G1

Sin título (Un espacio en construcción)

The pool I

Sin título (Un espacio en construcción)

Sin título (Un espacio en construcción)

Movimientos Geometricos 9