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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Subcategories

Small

Exhibition

El Comandante

Backlight

Billiards at the castle

Chain Link Fence II

Sea(birds) XII

Seabirds XI

Seabirds VII

Seabirds II

The Nature Lover

Laura

Leaf Veins V

Leaf Veins iV

Leaf Veins I

Leaf Veins Vi

Alps X, Slovakia

Contre courant

Alps XLI., Switzerland

Alps XXXIII., Germany

Alps XXXII., Germany

Alps XXXI., Germany

Alps XXVIII., Germany

Alps XXI., Switzerland

Reflection Around

Without title

Architecture in Kyiv

The Old Man And The Cow, India

Holi Day, Mathura India-II

Loup-garou

Sakura

Comme des grandes

Filled with Light

Midtown Still-life

The end, Estonia

Match, Estonia

The show, Italy

My World, Mauritius

Fruit d'Anémone du Japon

Tachée n° 52

Passereaux trépassés 6 : Fauvette à tête noire 3

Passereaux trépassés 5 : Martinet noir

Passereaux trépassés 4 : Fauvette à tête noire 2

Passereaux trépassés 3 : Fauvette à tête noire

Passereaux trépassés 2 : Sittelle

Pyramida

High Chair

Série "Devils" Burn devil burn

Cottage

Treasure

Electricity

Dream Sanctuary 2

Celeste II, China

Yosémite

Mystère

Totem

Inspired by Opera

Inspired by Opera

Rencontre

Etirements

Flight

Géméllité

'Z'

'K'

J-

G-

'D'