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

Duo Droit

Eau de lumière

Fille à la cigarette

Duo Gauche

Eclipse Nue

La vedet

Marilyn. Jeweled Toga

Muse Series #1

Fuscae II. Photography intervened by the artists.

Candy Girl

Wonderland

La chute

High Calories

Fashion Sea Horse

Fuen en El Louvre, Paris (Identity Assertions Series)

Kate With Tassles - Limited Edition Mick Rock Estate Print

Moving Venus

Empty Temptress

Épreuve 1

Épreuve 20

Birthday Hat

Prada bubblegum

Legs in the Gold Room (S)

The Two Step Silhouette (S)

Back Silhouette (S)

The Anonymity of Shape (S)

Ruby Slippers

Lady and The Lion

Dorothy In the Kitchen

The Girl with The Red Glove

Zipper Mouth

Ferrari Tire Change (XS)

Legs in the limo (XS)

Phonebooth Silhouette (XS)

Two Swans (XS)

Girls Night Out Silhouette

Yellow Brick Road

Lip stick kisses

Prada bubblegum

Back Silhouette (S)

Legs in the limo

Tallulah

Plate from 'Tristan and Isolde': The Queen with a Silk Tunic

Isidia

Allons danser

Manhattan shopping

I love you dressed in Gucci

I'm beautiful in Vuitton

Double Portrait with Object 4

Secret Agents Nr. 1

Blending Blackwards

Double Portrait with Object 5

Double portrait with object 3

Secret Agents Nr. 22

Models on Campari

Models on Mors

Les Mamelles de Tirésias - Choriste - 2e Acte

Costumer Design

LA C.A.P. One

Girls and Roses 1

Sea Views 6

Queen of Camouflage 12

Panda Hermes

Et je serai ta belle Hélène

Red Match 1949

Green Match 1949