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

Ecriture végétale N°1 - Comptine d'un autre été

Sure thing Butterfly

DH antic lights

Estroflesso (1)

Let's Go VI

Incipient Dyad No.2

Fearless Cat Charm

Sérénité 4

Infiniment bleu 14

XXII 28 060

Concept #123

Zéphyr 610 (LC42)

SERENITY-III

SERENITY-II

Joy-I

Seascape blue minimalism - Sunset, skyline, turquoise waves

Illusive Stability 7.

Sign No 50

Sign No 49

Sign No 48

Sign No 47

Sign No 46

Sign No 45

Sign No 44

Sign No 43

Sign No 52

Violet Diptych, Diptyque Violet

DH et l'enfant bleu

Random Position 5

Plastic icon 3

Scattered Beads 3

Bora Bora

Linen Light II

Her living room with a memory

Dance of light shadow

Deconstructing Piet I

Caribbean waters (Cool Blue)

Have you seen the moon tonight? 2

Virgule - DV56

Le blanc mis en scène

Atmosphère

Abstract-3106

Sommeil profond

Final Opus

Abstract No. 82

SIMPLICITE JAUNE

Le couple

TRESOR

Ragisména series White M6

Ragisména series White M5

Ragisména series White M3

Ragisména series White M4

Ragisména series White M2

Ragisména series White M1

Machet 1

Ragisména series black

Blurry Lines III - #16

20:47

Have you seen the moon tonight? 3

Barren No. 14

Barren No. 15

Barren No. 16

Mixed Media Minimalist Warm Burgundy & Blush Abstract Tactile

Day after day

Black Art 1

Blue signs