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

Monroe Tattoo Red

Portrait

Sightseeing No.7

Sightseeing No.8

Natura

Jaune

Boomerang

Casa amb cúpula i lluna plena

Orange_4

Shadow 12

Shadow 10

La Force de la Terre

Abstract 1

Disappearance

Glimpse of Sunset

L’Exode

Invariable 2

Insurance Card

Banane

Il me dit que je suis belle

I’m getting old

Viva la vida

Umbrella

Parler d’ma vie

A Boy

Textura

Selo J1

San Diego Home

Petite nuit de jazz

Prélude

De Rosieres Family

Skiing In Stowe

Soleil vert

Wave

Mickey Mouse

Series The Image Of Mountain No.2

Selo - Moirans

Untitled

Goya

Untitled

Untitled

Els arbres ploren II

Flexo Be Lover 4 Violet

Rien que pour toi

Dansons la vie

Nos regards amoureux

Tutti flowers

Butterfly sculpture MOON SHIN COLLECTION MMCA MUSEUM SEOUL SOUTH KOREA

Sculpture lettrisme Dessin Drawing MMCA Museum Modern Contemporary Art Seoul South korea

1972 MMCA Museum Collection Sculpture Vase

1979 Moon Shin Monumental sculpture on the City

TOTEM From Barcares, 1970 To Seoul Olympiads, 1988

Moon Shin 5 Black Sculptures 1971

Moon Shin 1975 Fleur de Lys Three Black Sculptures MMCA, Seoul Museum Collection

Moon Shin Black Metal Sculpture 1973

Moon Shin Museum 1973 Sculpture Scaphandre Bipède Noire

Moon Shin Museum Sculpture and Design 1978

Black Sculpture 1971

Moon Shin Black Monumental Sculpture 1971

Balloon Black Sculpture 1978

The Ant Sculpture La Fourmi

Black Sculpture 1977

Sculpture Black Flower 1877

The Ant Sculpture La Fourmi 1978

Black Sculpture 1978 MMCA MUSEUM SEOUL Collection

Black Sculpture 1975