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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Small

Elvis

Collage fun

Karl Foetus

Carolyn Carlson 10

Carolyn Carlson 7 (Dans writings in the wall )

Béatrice, beauté sauvage

'Nat King Cole'

Jim Morrison (Dedicated)

Amy Winehouse (Dedicated)

Elvis Presley (Dedicated)

Janis Joplin (Dedicated)

Michael Jackson (Dedicated)

Monroe

Pulp Fiction

Marilyn

Purple Rain

Abba

Hendrix

Bardot Holopeinture

Heir

Je ne perds jamais

Johnny Hallyday. Bain de soleil à St Tropez. 9 Aout 1977

Johnny Hallyday. Sur scène à Milan. 10 Février 1986

Johnny Hallyday. Bain de soleil à Saint Tropez . 9 Aout 1977

Johnny Hallyday. Sur scène à Paris. Le 2 Janvier 1991

Street Connoisseur - Keep it Real - Pink

Athena and Henry (Stay), from Ryan Gosling's memory sequence

Loved

Toxic

Voltairine de Cleyre

Sérigraphie Goldorak II

Who's Bad ?

Pussy Killer

Béatrice

Frieda

Wrong Gig

Matchboxe Bullitt

Blind Love

Can you feel the force Barbie?

We're off to see the Wizard

The Usual Ma'am

Political Allegory

Auguste Renoir - Hommage aux impressionnistes

Gainsbourg, Le palace #266

Compact Michael Jackson

Compact van Gogh

Minnie Stone Style

Ernest Pépin

Steve Drives Porsche

Silly Marilyn

Clint Eastwood

James Bond Héritage

Richard III

Billy et Lester young

Jazz & Rock

Steve 24H

Bard Red

Goldophone

Gandhi

King Kong II

John Lennon In The Sky With Diamonds

Etude Rimbaud 2

Miles Davis - Courbé

Marilyn in pink scarf

Marilyn in black white scarf

Joie débordante