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

The Morning Over The Fireweed Field - summer landscape painting

November Sunlight - original sunny landscape, painting

Sunset - summer landscape painting

Stroll / Balade

Eclat printanier

Envol en éclats de vagues - Paysage marin de La Nouvelle Calédonie

Montrose harbor, 1977

Abstract Vase "Red Core", hight 27 cm

A Scotchy Little Christmas

L'abbaye de Sénanque 1

Laguna Farmers Market

Vue sur la mer depuis les hauteurs de Capri

Zone 1

Vigoureux

Tenter de comprendre Picasso XVIII

Tenter de comprendre Picasso XVI

Tenter de comprendre Picasso XIX

Tenter de comprendre Picasso II

Tuifua

Soyeux

Sentir autrement

Rey

Rainette

Pro Thèse

Lord Daniel

Ben le tueur

Madame Edwarda. Paris: Georges Visat

Laguna Canyon

Le retour du petit bancal

Buste pur sang lusitanien

The dance of affection

Etude de scène musicale

Le dernier venu

Genèse 1987 Genesis

Landscape

Zen

A Parrot's Sour Treat: Lemons and Limes

A Sour and Bitter Mix

The Game of War and Peace: A Chess Match

A Mouse's Shine

A Ribbon of Blue and a Squeeze of Lemon

Buffalo in the Sunshine: A Western Still Life

Feathered Gaze

Skybound: A Garden Avian

The Great Animal Cookie Escape

Chirping Connections

The Standoff

A Tranquil Teatime

Bright Beauty

The lazy lounger

Aliso Creek

Yellow Light, Laguna

The Gathering Place, Irvine

Dana Point, Baby Beach II

A Tranquil Oasis, William R. Mason Regional Park

Floral Harmony

Irvine Regional Park

Shaw's Cove

Main Beach at Laguna

Monumental Majesty

Urban Skies

Ethereal Journey

Fields of Blooming Bliss

Beach Vibes

Where Mountains Meet the City

Trail after Snow Day