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

Bleed 6 (Stranger Things Eleven)

Bleed 4 (Stranger Things Eleven)

Bleed 3 (Stranger Things Eleven)

Reduced Soup Can

NAUGHTY BY CULTURE from Blue Drawings

How Did ART Happen? (last time)

Breath to Breath Connected from Blue Drawings

Sète

Untitled (All communication must cease)

H. dogs Colors

French kiss

Brigitte B

AC DC - Live

Frenchy

Panther Panther Rosa Rosa - Pink

Fun Loving Criminals III

Amy Winehouse Turquoise

Darth Ziggy

Andy Grey

C colors

Pikachu

Blanche Neige

Batman

Diamond ( Red )

Marilyn was here

Marilyn was here

Marilyn was here

Space Invader & Obey LA_56, Los Angeles

Pacman Fantoms invader

Gold and Silver GIV “Naughty Angel”

Dissected Man

Ballon Animals

Fast food series #7 - Be cool

Fille au ballon

Nelson Mandela Hommage

Tattoo Checker

Devil Pig

Car Flames

Desperate

Blue Peace

Venus Gainsbourg orange

Of the galaxy

Portrait 02

Sans titre #3

Keep your dreams

Green marble bag II

Flacon Rolex

Stay On Target! II

Atomic Bardot yellow

Luxury Design and Fashion Toffee

Broken Angelina

Broken Marilyn

MBAPPLE

Venus d'Angelina (rose)

Mickey Monroe rose

Venus de Stromae (vert)

Vintage phone

Party

Celebration

Fix you

Bienvenue sur mon boulevard

Bats mon coeur

All you need is love

Obey Reputation

The Citizens - 12

Gold goldorak