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

124) Septembre. Portugal

122) Rencontre. Portugal

103) Mesvanités. Portugal

Still life

45

Dans les profondeurs

Centifin F

Calvacade

Voile dehors

Sea Byrd

Marina 10 - Paysage semi abstrait, série des Marinas

Vitesse sur l'eau

Sur les flots

Arnaud Dromigny Gigi grande gigue

Forêt racines verte

Woman in Red

Abstraction

Fleurs et oiseaux II

E ascolta il colpo del vento

Osito

Bows wild style

Dernier Jour de Louis XVI à Versailles

Rixe à Lille

Star Jewelry, I am that I am

Composition

Afternoon Shadows

La première page du livre/ Série"Vie citadine"

The White Shirt

Sorry

Automne

Toujours avec moi

Mais où es-tu ?

Portrait

Pond in the wood

Nick Joins In

The Boy Who Loved Music

Camouflaged Ship + Sub

Bustier Dress

Autumn landscape - watercolor

The Velvet Chair

Message personnel

Exquisite seduction

Violine seduction

Papillon fleuri au regard délicat

Divine fleur

Regard lointain

Ange ou démon

Beauté fatale et délicate

Aux délices incandescents

Where next

Composition abstraite Ref GO0895

Composition abstraite Ref GO0884

Composition abstraite Ref GO0882

Passionnément rouge

Femme aux coquelicots

Yeux langoureux

Regard de louve

The eye of the storm

Arf Art

Calle Alcalá

Dreaming

Vitamins in a bowl

îles

Sans Titre 2

Useless Dream

Others