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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Méditerranée

Sortie de bunker I

Sans Titre

Nice, plongeoir de « La Réserve »,

Gilt Leaf

Les sillons de pourpre

Carapace_01

Sin Título

Le baiser (évolution 2)

Love Railroad KoeurPoration

Scarlett NY

Costa Ligure

Portrait 2

Untitled Gap

Gorille Dos Argenté

Danse au vent

Eux deux

Monamonroe

Little Girl

Le Fauteuil Bleu

The discourse

Autour de l'étang

Collegiate

Full Certif BOU #2

Anonimous

Untitled

Une île #15 - fenêtre n°21

Rove 1

Untitled

I'm

Sous l'Océan

Aizhan Mukatova I

E.T. Phone Home

Rosy Can Frix It

Artichoke II

Composition

Étude de portrait

Anticipation of Cake

B1

Marché de Monségur

Respiro mana

Le livre des livres

Manichéisme

La mère et l'enfant

Arc en ciel

Sans-Titre

Sans titre

Sans-titre

Sans-titre

Sans-titre

Sans-titre

Sans-titre

Sans-titre

Le livre des livres

Les mantes religieuses

Les blés de Puplinge, Genève

Au bord de l'eau

Landscape

Personnages B't X n°1

Ganas Dignity & Love

Bénédiction

Barcelona

Militaires en discussion

Appareil photo Création Christer Hamp L'homme à la moustache, 1995

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Oliviers et bord de mer