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

Data Failed bleu

Capucines

Evidence

Jeune femme au châle et panier de fleures

Sun 2

Water Garden

Coffee Blues Black

Terrace on the sea stacks vertical version - Capri Italy painting & frame

Desperation

Fond de coquelicots - Champs de fleurs

Red passion in the countryside - Tuscany landscape

My African remix

Iwanagahime

Deux femme dansantes en intérieur

Bouquet rose et la canne au pommeau d'argent

Cosmic Dandeliomn

Flower Pot

Bouquet de roses fanées

Still Life with Jug

Composition printanière

Chardons en bouquet

Paysage fleuri

The Hooded

Summer Flower Vol. 2

Bouquet of dahlias

Changgyeong Palace Grand Conservatory No. 12-2

Irises

Et le verbe fût

Coq expressif

Désir et botanique

L'orage

Imagined destinations, Spring ( Le printemps )

Eternal Rose standing

C'est déjà si loin

Life and Death

Leaves

Il s'en va

Grow Up

Senza titolo

Paysage fleuri

Garden of Love

Tondo 1

Ravello sea pointview - Amalfitan Coast painting (Italy) + frame

ABS211004

Pandemic Spring series | april 4 2020

Brexit

Flowery Love

Sans titre

Still Life with Calla Lily

Arbre #15

The evening

Fragment d'arbres de la forêt Vosgienne - série du Bois au Bois II

Woman

Object II

Mandala 8A

Bouquet

Pivoine

0-4

Tulip Path

Expanse of red poppies . Tuscany painting & handmade frame

Mallow

Pollinisation - Hommage à Jeff Koons

Femme à la ceinture

Legende de la mer

Pigeon-Monstera

Fleur