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

Naturaleza muerta de julio 2987

La ha perdido

El bosque desnudo

In a dessert on the way to Sedona

Beyond Duality, Chroma Concentrics #3 (2)

Passion to travel. Cats in Mohave desert

Visisons of Sedona. Meditation on the way to Boyton Canyon.

Visions of Sedona. Tlaquepaque

Visions of Sedona

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Geyser islandais

Le dernier soleil 5

Basket with tangerines

Thought

Rhythm

Family Time

Vivid

Emergence

Thoughts

Sunset on the Mekong

Freedom

Spring

The Potion

Thin Space, Sewing

Noname D35

Noname D29

Les Destriers

Waterfall

Coincidences 3

Sunset vibes

Temps II

A little pleasure

Dans l'espace géométrique

Abstraction 1637

Abstraction 1112

Abstraction 3012

Temps I

100 Dollar collection - Uncle Scrooge

Sin Título

Sin Título

Sin Título

Warm Hospitality

Just rainy-XXIII

Nocturne-CXC (to Chopin)

Landscaping-CLXXVI

Nocturne-CLXII (to Chopin)

Just rainy-XXV

Abstract forest-V

Abstract landscape

Impression-IV

Impression-III

Nocturne(homage to Chopin)-CCXXX

Heart-XIV

Heart-XV

Heart-XII

Heart-II

Nocturne(nomage to Chopin)-CXCII

Nocturne(homage to Chopin)-CCXLIII

Just rainy-XXXII

Spring-I

Spring-II

Dawn

Northern Lights

Sunset

Dream World

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