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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The Stooges, Ann Arbor, MI, 1969

Iggy Pop, The Stooges, The Hit Factory, NYC, 1969

Iggy Pop - Ungano's Club, first NYC gig 1970

Iggy Pop - NYC 1969

Tina Turner Singing with Ikettes, Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, November 23, 1970

Tina and Ike Turner Backstage, Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, November 23, 1970

Tina Turner On Stage Clapping, LA Forum, 1969

Tina Turner On Stage Singing, LA Forum, 1969

Iggy Pop, Ann Arbor, MI, 1968

Miles Davis - at the Talk Stoop on 312 W. 77th St. NYC, his home 1970

Miles Davis, NYC, 1970 IV

Miles Davis Standing in his Robe at Gleason's Gym, NYC, 1970

Miles Davis, Fillmore East, NYC, June 18, 1970

Miles Davis, NYC, 1970

Miles Davis, Fillmore East, NYC, June 17, 1970

Iggy Pop in the Studio, Ann Arbor, MI, 1969

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones, San Francisco, CA, 1969

Ike and Tina Turner with Johnny Carson, 1970

B.B. King, Madison Square Garden, NYC, 1969

B.B. King, The Hit Factory, NYC, 1969

Iggy Pop, The Stooges, The Hit Factory, NYC, 1969

Keith Richards Performing Close Up, Oakland Coliseum, 1969

Miles Davis Works Out with a Speed Bag at Gleason's Gym, NYC, 1970 (I)

Miles Davis, NYC, 1970 VII

Miles Davis, NYC, 1970 VI

Miles Davis, NYC, 1970 V

Keith Richards, "Rockin' Richards," Chicago, 1969

Jimi Hendrix, Boston, MA, 1970

Jimi Hendrix and Leslie West of Mountain, "Private Hours Jam," NYC, 1970

The Who on the Set of Ready Steady Go!, London, 1965

Jimi Hendrix, Madison Square Garden, NYC, 1970

Fun Loving Criminals III

Amy Winehouse Turquoise

Blondie Orange

Darth Ziggy

Cherry Kate

Sinatra Negative Press

Aerosmith - Pine Knob, Klarkstone, MI

Joe strummer, Glastonbury UK

Neal Peart Rush, Metal Works Studio

James Cosmo

Belmondo le magnifique

John Lennon

Sinatra

Charlot Colors

Marilyn Colors

Buste Jean Jaures

Magritte

Gainsbourg

Messi pop Art (1)

Mbappé France

Zidane street Art

Brigitte B

About Jimi 1

AC DC - Live

Pink Floyd - Animals

Humble Pie, Honolulu

The Ramones

Robert Plant Hawaii

Van Halen, Costa Mesa 1995

Elton John II

Mick and Keith, Honolulu 1973

Robert Plant gets Lai'd, Honolulu Airport

Johnny Cash Sepia

Rod and Ronnie

Snoop Dogg with Run DMC