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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I scream Kelly (lime)
Sanuj Birla
Sculpture - 40.6 x 25.4 x 20.3 cm Sculpture - 16 x 10 x 8 inch
€1,143
Apple china (blue wave)
Li Lihong
Sculpture - 45 x 39 x 39 cm Sculpture - 17.7 x 15.4 x 15.4 inch
€18,000
Parc fermé
Yohan Storti
Fine Art Drawings - 41 x 27.9 x 0.1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 16.1 x 11 x 0 inch
€500
La minute de silence
Yohan Storti
Fine Art Drawings - 27.9 x 41 x 0.1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 11 x 16.1 x 0 inch
€500
I will try
Yohan Storti
Fine Art Drawings - 27.9 x 41 x 0.1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 11 x 16.1 x 0 inch
€500
C’est bon que tu sois là
Yohan Storti
Fine Art Drawings - 41 x 29.7 x 0.1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 16.1 x 11.7 x 0 inch
€550
Homage to Louis (White)
Ad Van Hassel
Sculpture - 33 x 10 x 10 cm Sculpture - 13 x 3.9 x 3.9 inch
€225
Material From Fairy-Tales in Dreams
Roberto Fonfria
Painting - 38.1 x 27.9 x 0.3 cm Painting - 15 x 11 x 0.1 inch
€640
Girl with balloon
Patricia Gadisseur
Painting - 50 x 50 x 4 cm Painting - 19.7 x 19.7 x 1.6 inch
€320
One with the wind
Patricia Gadisseur
Painting - 50 x 50 x 4 cm Painting - 19.7 x 19.7 x 1.6 inch
€320
L'amour sur un petit nuage édition d'art
Sophie Petetin
Print - 50 x 50 x 0.5 cm Print - 19.7 x 19.7 x 0.2 inch
€235
Batman Feat Hercules Handmade Sculpture for Home Decor
Dervis Akdemir
Sculpture - 40 x 25 x 15 cm Sculpture - 15.7 x 9.8 x 5.9 inch
€434
Collage
Sergio Barletta
Fine Art Drawings - 35.5 x 25.2 x 0.2 cm Fine Art Drawings - 14 x 9.9 x 0.1 inch
€500
Homage to Louis (White) (1)
Ad Van Hassel
Sculpture - 33 x 10 x 10 cm Sculpture - 13 x 3.9 x 3.9 inch
€225