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

Zirkulationszeit: Meerengel Robbe I

Danse

Juste avant

L'escalier

A Visual Journey Through History VI

Fondu vert

Snoopy X Kaws

Obey n°68

Deux sirènes

Révolutionnaire

A Visual Journey Through History IV

Les pinceaux

Portrait de Constantin Tacou

Le liquide rouge II

MP 333 - Ciseaux

To The Moon

Apple - Blanche

Still Cassius Clay V

A contre courant

Tränen: Hirschfuß

Schwurhand: Wandernde Kiste #5

Schwurhand: Wandernde Kiste #2

Schwurhand: Skulptur aus Gold

Schwurhand: Wandernde Kiste #1

Schwurhand: Mit Fett gefüllte Skulptur

Schwurhand: Lumen

Deux arbres

Kringel Dichroic / Hellblau

Sans titre 5

Luna Park

Healthymood

En route

C'est une Belle Journée

Flower girls

Mélodie orange

Ritmo numero dos

Concrete composition 24

Je pense à toi

Los mulatos estiraban gomas ansiosos

Sparks

Enterrement du Mexique

Jamas sierpe ni cebra ni mula palidecieron

Pure bliss

Ombre et lumière I

Ciel serie 2 V

Funny

Les Secrets de l'Océan

Aquarius

Souvenirs de l'été

Untitled 163

Untitled 160

Untitled 4

Fiddlemania III

Floating Through Space

Fusion

Etang

Plaque métro Simpson

Seascape blue minimalism - Sunset, skyline, turquoise waves

Untitled 158

Untitled 155

Untitled 134

Ocean Motion

Cloned Griffon Bruxellois with pet bottle

Faune

Mademoiselle 37

Le Petit Prince