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

Pink Monroe

The Gentle Breeze [El suave viento]

Hidden Noise [Escondido el ruido]

The Unforseen Trip [El viaje imprevisto]

When We Can See Beyond the Fog [Cuando podamos ver mas allá de la niebla]

Mickey Color

Zach

Achille

Ulysse

Jamie

Giovani

Giacomo

Pablo (1)

Spring sun

Pablo

Nature's blue gem. 2

Nature's blue gem. 1

A moment of Light

Le Baiser

Autoportrait YoCat

La pensée fleurie

Egine 2

A bouquet of stocks

Paysages 802

Barcelona Street Scene

Crazy love

Dada love

Marilyn Vogue

Beautiful mind

Vogue la nuit

Warrior

Storm at sea

Amex - Salvador Dali

Amex - Van Gogh

Amex - Banksy

Still Life of Roses in a Vase

A blue eclipse watercolor

The Fears

Bauformen

To the top of the world

Stromboli

Sinfonía Natural

Cube offshore

What is Love

It would be nice to live here

Paisaje Invernal

Cloud 1

Male Nr. 121701

Village 28

Crisantemo

Dans les champs N7

Bill T. Jones

Le liquide Bleu

Andi with Rolleiflex in Yamamoto coat

CeraCera Gold - Pablo Savón x Alëxone Dizac

Flower of Life

Rat 4

Castor et Pollux

Nude #2, With My Eyes Closed

Gilded Landscape

Indras Net

Rosetta

WIld panther

My Garden

Teddy (Nounours)

Who Are These Angels CXLIII