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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Categories

Subcategories

Small

Libellule

La muse

s.t

Sarasvati

Portraits littéraires

Marat

Élégance

Cavaliere

Melancholia

I drink wine with a straw

Serene reflections

N° 1124 Elle, à cinq ans, avec ses bons amis.

Heavy Thoughts

Regard profond

Porcelaine

Clown with friends

Le bas résile

Protection

Ti porterò alle stelle

The time has come - Die Zeit ist gekommen

Pattern are guaranteed

DeathQ869

Back to 1500

DeathQ1010

Masque de Prométhée

Duo

Cléopâtre

Picasso loved me 2

Moi non plus

Abeni (We Prayed for Her and She Arrived) -21st Century, Contemporary Figurative

La sirène

Portrait

Portrait

Cacciatrice di farfalle

The Yes Sayer - Der Jasager

Gulliver

Centauromachia

Cavaliere e le Arpie

Artisti di strada

Infanta

Ornitologo, secondo Ernst Fuchs

Dreamer No. 2

Sullen No. 2

Mend no. 15

Stella

China Girl

Horizons

Change point of view

Pensive

Lipochka's awakening

Moglie di prestigiatore

Giuditta, omaggio a Lucas Cranach

Dondolando tra le stelle

Como el agua - Descodificación 7-8-2002 (Identity assertions series)

Le funanbule

Mon ami le chat

Couple

Voyages voyages...

Gémeaux

Sirène si Reine

s.t

Melody (1)

Le Graal de Vénus

Iphis & Ianthe

La lyre

Picasso loved me 1