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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James Brown; singer, being interviewed after a concert in the Apollo in Harlem where the slogan Black is Beautiful was introduced.

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Chan Marshall / Cat Power

Margaret Doll Rod / Demolition Doll Rods

Patti Smith

E.M.A

Peaches

Meditating Two

Meditating

Malcolm X during his visit to enterprises owned by Black Muslims.

USA. NYC. Marilyn Monroe.

USA. Marilyn Monroe (USA). Actress & singer

Cuba - Havana

USA. Illinois. Bement. US actress Marilyn Monroe during a public appearance.

Mikhail Baryshnikov, American Ballet Theatre - NYC

Spain. Mallorca. Anthony QUINN and Anna KARINA on the set of Guy Green's The Magus.

New York, Model, Drusilla Dru Beyfus.

Sylvana Mangano (ITA), at the Museum of Modern Art, USA

GB. Shepperton. Film Set Becket, Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton

John and Angelica Huston (USA). 1968

USA. NYC. Black is Beautiful.

USA. New York. American actress Marlene Dietrich.

James Brown; singer, being interviewed after a concert in the Apollo in Harlem where the slogan Black is Beautiful was introduced.

Charlotte Stribling. USA. New York City USA.

USA. Nevada and California. The Misfits, a film by John HUSTON. 1960 III

USA. Arizona. James Stewart on the set of The flight of the phoenix.

New York City lanscape

Nina Hagen, Grèce

Pete Townsend

Keith the New Barbarians

Mick Jagger Rolling Stones Tour 1972

Jagger 1965

Brian Jones

Keith Richards

Défilé Mugler - Zénith 84

Leonard Cohen

Architecture in Kyiv

End of the Affair 2

Egg Study 7

Egg Study 6

Rebirth III

Rebirth II

Rebirth I

Marilyn Relaxes in A Hotel Room

Éclosion

Félix VALLOTTON Paysage Les Champs

Time Out

Diamonds and Watches

A Couple Alone in Central Park

Au-delà de nous-même 6

Au-delà de nous-même 4

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers at BottleRock Valley Festival

The Rolling Stones, Desert Trip Indio

Rush Live at Concord Pavillion

Neil Peart of RUSH Live at Concord Pavilion

Lemmy Kilmister of Mötorhead, Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View

Aus dem Gruppenbuch der Christiane P. - „Es Gibt Nur Eine Wahrheit.“

Passereaux trépassés 1 : Mésange charbonnière

Rush Black and White

Dog Wash - Hipshot Series

Group Shot - New York, 1964

Andy Warhol on Throne, 1964

Roy Lichtenstein, 1964

Andy Warhol with Boxes, 1964

Roy Lichtenstein in Mirror, 1964

Andy Warhol, Campbell's Soup, 1964