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

Deux amies Two girlfriends in love

Corps femme bras en l'air

Neural Waves: Surrender to Serenity

From Ashes, I Rise: Phoenix of the Soul

Rebirth in the Deep

Funny Girl

Complementari II

Passians

Les Marionnettes (1)

3 Figures assises I

Time to Play

Winter with Sabi

The Icelolly

Covid Times

Aventure d'une libertine XV. From The Secret Album Series

Aventure d'une libertine VI. From The Secret Album Series

Aventure d'une libertine XVI. From The Secret Album Series

Aventure d'une libertine XIII. From The Secret Album Series

Aventure d'une libertine X. From The Secret Album Series

Aventure d'une libertine IX. From The Secret Album Series

The News, Paris 1991

Climbing I, Paris

DisSimuLaTiO

Telle qu'en elle-même - série corps de femme

Aventure d'une libertine I. From The Secret Album Series

Icaro III

El salto III

El salto II

Carne rota

Argonauta

Origine

ADN Symphonie

In vino veritas

Horizon optique

Jeune victoire série corps de femme

Chimera Obscura

Les bras levés

Conflit intérieur - Corps en mouvement

Old phone

Softsculpture 5

Softsculpture 4

Softsculpture 3

Embrace

Violet

Barbara

Untitled

Red pink water

Mademoiselle

Danseurs

Red Lisa #6

Red Lisa #13

XVI From The Red Series

Butterflies

Soleil

Pensive

Dance of the Unruly Pullover

Audace

XIV and XV Diptych. From The Red Series

Wind

Juliette

Alice

Tribute to Iris Brosch

Fenicottero

In my web

Treno

Puppet