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

Capsule

Platonic Moon

Dodo Jaune

It´s a joke rrr

Make Love 11

Shelby’s fortune

Poüèt King

Noel partout

Popek Black Porcelain Edition

The Scrooge (Red Edition)

Botero

Positiv tv

Pot bubbles et cubes

Deadpool - aquarelle édition

Love Trooper Full Color

Bardot Forever

Lovebird

Mario Chanel Black

Innocence in Collision

Flight

The Meal

Joy wave (copy )

Mia Malkova portrait

Chrome Red Lollipop

Agathe

Many Tomatoes Needed

Rolly Polly

What!!

Planche original - Venom

Moon & Caught

Aunque usted no lo crea

Candies

Untitled

Grace

Chair Jazz

David Pez green - Bronze

Peter Pan Camel

Harmonie de Samothrace feu rouge

L'affranchie

Rise Up

Savoring Sun

No Need To Hide (Papyrus)

Leaving The World Behind

Édition rebelle 50 Blue

Édition Un tramway nommé Désir 50 Blue

Édition Éternelle Audrey 50 RED

Fille Ballon Encadré

Goldorak

Leaving The World Behind (Papyrus)

Gravity

Digigraphie High School Lovers

Chacha

Stormtroopers colors

Cubiste Cheval Guernica Rouge

Chien Ballon apesanteur en nickel 38

Drifting

Chien Ballon apesanteur en nickel rouge 38

Chien Ballon apesanteur en nickel bleue 38

Mickey Peace

Panoramix

Singes sages bleu

Born Savage

Gravity Nickel

Visage cubiste rouge

Chien béat rouge

Polar bear silver