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

Fantaisie Romantique

Figue

El amor

Black Roses

The Last Sitting - Marilyn Looking at You

Ali Patterson II

Quatre-vingt-dix 2

Portrait #1

Warrior Bride

La montée des eaux

Family

Steve McQueen. En couple. Le script

Self Portrait

Fashion on the Street, Paris 1963

Tracks II

Mick Jagger - Le poing - London - Derniers tirages

Neorupestres

Mainbocher Corset. Paris. Printed later

Castaway

Small Maelstrom (Ref 855)

Bill T. Jones

Nick Cave

Surreal Cemetery

Andi with Rolleiflex in Yamamoto coat

Café des Cascades Paris

Tina Turner, Paris

Nai (Identity Assertions Series)

Marilyn Monroe

Champ de l'herbe

Population 13 1 1974, Population d'images

Terrasse St Trop

Sans-titre

El Duende 16

Femmes #9

4 monkeys

Go-between

In the water No 1

Andy Warhol and Keith Haring

A cold cliff

Ephélis

Diego Rivera

Arum Lily #1

Les Bains Déligny

These 2 photos were taken ....

Bivalva

Petit cadeau erotique in Milano

Air

Floral Ecstasy #12

Rising Tide

Consecration

Rusty Cage

Moissons de nuées

Solo dance

Teinturières

Mur 007

Late Night Behind the Bar in New Orleans

Square Dance

Kampa do Rio Amônea Indigenous Territory, State of Acre, Brazil (M)

L’adieu aux armes, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzanie

Story of Love N°17 - Size M

Fall

New York Les Patineurs

Jour des rameaux

Kilian

Encre #1

Gullwing