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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Sea life 1

Repro 1.

Après-midi au bord de l'océan

N° 1120 Fin de partie.

Revised Time 1.

Message For You 3.

Super Hero 2 Stamps

Choose love David

Batman feat Hercules - Handmade sculpture for home decor

Isis’ strength

Golden boy Hermes - Handmade sculpture for home decor

Hercules Yakuza

Medusas’ protective gaze

Poseidon’s Gaze

Love hurts

Power of Zeus

True African beauty - Gold&Black handmade sculpture for home decor

The Veiled Vestal Virgin Handmade Sculpture for Home Decor

Golden glory the David with mask

Eros bust

Grecian woman bust

Demosthenes bust

Dionysus bust

Fucking world

Hermes Bust

Apollo Bust

Pinky

The king

Saint Suaire

Giambattista Valli Haute couture

Kringel Blau/Pink

Mmmh...

Lady on the sofa 2

Tilt Vase

Dragons Cave

IIXV Walking (Small)

Lighthouse

Uni-Cone - Handmade sculpture for home decor

Mademoiselle 28

Coq, le 10 ème

Sans Titre

Sans Titre

Sans Titre

Mana Sarovar lake-8

Mana Sarovar lake-6

Manasarovar lake-5

Mana Sarovar lake-3

Stay on target!

Consulting is an external memory

The visionary II (Small)

Soap

The missing link (Small)

Estudi del braç

Urge

Sacrifices made to the nymphs

Serpent, le 6 ème

Singe, le 9 ème

En boucle

Jenny Bel'Air

Tomato splat

Late afternoon

Kiss gold

Please don't kill my vibe

Mouton, le 8 ème

Cheval, le 7 ème

Lapin, le 4 ème