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

Love tribute Mondrian

Time off Blue

Singes Sages Nickel

Drifting

Primordial

Chat

Diamond Dream

Benjamin Franklin Pop Art Painting - Antifragile

Fille avec ballon magique bleu 47

Small Lie Brown

Just Love... (Origami 2024)

Été indien... (Origami 2024)

Arrow mustard and navy

Enfant avec ballon magique rouge 47

Enfant avec un cœur bleu

Bloom

Lucky Luke on Keith's Dog (plan du métro de Paris)

Teddy Hermès

Heart CD tribute

Édition Toujours Marilyn 30

Édition Éternelle Audrey 30

Chum Noir

Pistacchio Sun

Édition Un tramway nommé Désir 30

Édition Rebelle 30

Bird

Rols Blue Maldive

Chum Rose

35cm CD Collage Tribute, No Collar Teddy

What Party White

Sid Superman

Teddy Rolex

Marilyn Monroe

Cleaning The Ship

Teddy Chanel

Teddy Tiffany Co

35cm CH Tribute, Full Black Teddy

Love Multi II

Teddy Chanel

Plan de métro Panthère rose

Coke en Stock

Minnie Mouse, la vie est belle

Live your fucking best life

Small Lie Black

My kitten is a rapper

Marina

Afterparty

Spatio-temporel

The great escape... (Origami 2025)

L'envolée vitale... (Origami 2024)

Fade Away And Radiate

Edition Félin 30

Hope Of Deliverance (Papyrus)

We are the square Jocular Clan (4)

Maiko in Kyoto, Cherry Blossoms on Red

Shit Deluxe

Styles Change - Style Endures _ yellow

Spiteful

Uncontained

Small Lie Grey

Chum Jaune

What party Yellow

Every day is a gift

Art Dollar 31

Share companion

Sonic NYPD