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

Canicule

Vert d'espoir

Mon Miroir

Portrait vous bien

Le Grand Soir, scène 14

Café de Paris

Untitled

Floating Serves

La Confianza

France géologique

France économiques

Mandchourie

Afrique physique

Dope 25

La Cage où les Gens Pleurent

Le caraco noir

Skull in the Meditation with Neon Design

Jill se souvient

Marina

Rien à signaler

En tête à tête... "Murmure" [version : blanche] (Histoire de famille 2021)

Marilyn Laughing in Black Dress

Irlande

Toulouse-Lautrec (From: Quinze Gravures)

Elegante en robe jaune

Acteur de l'ombre 103-19

Pavarti Ultime

Age d'or

Rousse aux yeux clairs

Guardian angel

Nike

Guardian angel

Divided Hercule

Diptych Madonna with Long Neck and Room in a Room

Une larme 52-22

Flora

At the End of the Day

La lecture

Mystérieuse

Serpent’s Wratah

Maiko in Kyoto, Cherry Blossoms on Red

Le souvenir d'une photo

Portrait

Beauté 17

Portrait aux rayures

El Dandy

Every day is a gift

Medusas’ Protective Gaze

Viejo maestro

Sans crainte

A vif

Le regard dans le vide

Surge of Emotions

Unlocking Insight

Salvation Trio

Knight's Grief

Grindstone 4

In the struggle

Under Control

Grindstone 2

Relax

Isis’ Strength

Nous deux

3NIT

Dolores Guinness

Le Vitrail