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

Angel with Heart

Cosmic Runner

Love

Without Borders #9

Sailboat I

Statue of Liberty

Apple G.O.A.T.

Unknown World No.7

Beau temps et précipitation

For the Love Of God XIIII

For the Love Of God V

Uni-Cone - Handmade sculpture for home decor

Frida Kahlo

Swing spring

Print Goldorak #2

Print Goldorak #3

Print Goldorak #4

1 Point Shoes Red Signed

Pand'ours pop art Dior red

Red Phone

Baby Graffiti

Learn how to see

You

Kringel Dunkellila / Orange-Pink

Spicy pop

Innertube Vision 1

Innertube Vision 2

Les yeux ne savent pas mentir

Black Graff

Pierre dorée

Shadow Sonic

Mystic Mickey

Childhood recollections of the child Nathaniel

Sonic: Urban Enforcer Edition

Something to suck 493

Crowned Monkey Batman

For the Love Of God XV

For the Love Of God XII

For the Love Of God XI

For the Love Of God X

For the Love Of God XIII

For the Love Of God VIIII

For the Love Of God VIII

For the Love Of God VII

For the Love Of God IIII

For the Love Of God III

For the Love Of God II

For the Love of God I

Make Love Not War

Scrooge lucky coin

Queen Elisabeth 2(5)

Marie M

Equilibre

Mosaic - Mask

Wakame

S_ck Me I'm Popular Blondiex Mickey Top Trader.

Inscape

Les toilettes sont à gauche

Les toilettes sont à droite

Twined

Outlaw - EA

Goku Soup

Fallen Hope

Pop Shop I (3)

Untitled from Pop Shop IV

Love Love Love