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

Nu

Nu Asis

Potser sí

Mia Villiers-Farrow on a bed

Hannah

MK 3

Anna patiently

Liberation

The Music Flies

Souvenirs

L'étreinte

Venir la voir, voir l’avenir, la voir venir

I Can’t

Patience

Zach à Caro

Kiss

David Pez green - Bronze

Respire

Samburu

Fille avec un ballon en forme de chien

L'esprit Déchaîné

Essence de jeunesse masculine 22

Reflexion Bronze

Le Polisson

Douce innocence Bronze

Enfant avec ballon

L'affranchie

Rise Up

Essence de jeunesse

Hope Of Deliverance

Fly Over Wide Fields

No Need To Hide

Calme et petite silence

Sun Day

Masque cubiste

Guitariste Arlequin

Calme et le silence Fonte du Bronze 44

Savoring Sun

Fille Ballon Encadré

Touching The Surface (Complete Series)

Young Pixelated

Leaving The World Behind (Papyrus)

Édition rebelle 50 Blue

Édition Un tramway nommé Désir 50 Blue

Édition Éternelle Audrey 50 RED

Orange tulips

Taste of snow

Menina Air et Métal Nickel Rouge

L'homme du futur

Conversation II

Duftprobe

Hercule de Farnèse pixélisé patine en oxyde vert

Un instant de réalité

Fairy

Ménine air et métal avec patine rose pâle

Single Whip

Nous sommes la littérature bronze

N°438

N°435

En attendant le prochain voyage

Gravity

Femme feuille

L'attente

Essence classique

Fragility

Blue basilikum