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

Quand les mystères sont très malins

Silhi

Black Roses

La cage où les gens pleurent

Le regard perdu

Coeur Mourenx

Bungle Bungle

Open Window with Butterflies

Ben Nevis

Sans titre IX

Sétoise II

Sies Marjan

Psychopomp Hermes

Reflet De Soleil

Great American Perspective

N° FRP0423BP3

Composition 15

Rock on Fire

The rest of us 6

Funny landscape

Lena

4 Seasons Spring

Untitled

Couleurs automnales

Untitled 202

Ballet floral

Deux sœurs

Ali Patterson II

Mémoire dans l'eau 08T-XIV

Ourson Chanel mickey

Jackie

Cérémonie d'ouverture des Jeux Olympiques de Paris

Fun of the water

Force of Nature Letterpress

Gun

CG13

Racconto di primavera 8

Pixelated young torso White

Funny doggy

France voies navigables

The Agony and Ecstasy

Hymne d'enfants

Discurso indiferente

Bear CD Tribute, Blue Collar

Abstract landscape

Manifeste

The Holy Grail

César

Still life with glass

Just happy

Tréméac

Freedom

Hubert / Père Plouc

Balloon Heart

Serigraphie I (rehaussée à la main/hand-embellished)

Untitled

Diagonales Lavande et Rose

Zanzibar

53

Night Walk

Ceci n'est pas un vase Or

Grand taureau brun

Nebulous

Beyond the Visible

Bigbang

No Need