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

Ciel vue d'avion

Crimson Serenity

Boujee Miss America

Gandhi

Chaplin

Girl Making a Wish

Breathe Slowly/8

Expectations

Royal Princess Bust

The visit

Sex Appeal

Composition florale 1

Poolside Chic

Poolside Pairs

Décision

Selo - N

Bats

Mr. Gioia

Corridor of Cram School

Question Everything

I am

Enciéndeme...O déjame volar

Contigo Vibro

Hasta que nos cueste respirar

No sé si te abracé lo suficiente

Enganchado a ti

Le dompteur

Okey

In the Zone

Watch

Ames Mortes

La Plage à Jo, 1

Ambiance

Village de pêcheurs

Street Isahakyan

Sunset on the beach

The Eye

Ein Carem

Mangé du regard

Nocturne

Se acabo la magia

J'y réfléchirai promis

Après ma cigarette c'est toi que je fume

Soft Power

Forger ses racines

Habiter le ciel

Father Portrait 1974

Christmas wreath

Rabbit with red bow

Tête Bleue - Portrait singulier pâte de verre

Vendée Globe 3

Petit chemin en Bourgogne

Au mont Boisy en automne

C'est la pipe d'Albert

C'est la pipe de Sigmund

C'est la pipe d'Ernest

C'est la pipe de Pau

Sans titre

A girl awaiting the train

Code 1921

Bust

Alocasia

Trouwfiets

Summer on the river

Interrogation EA3/4

Lemon season II