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

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Le violoniste

Andy Warhol Muhamad Ali 400% + 100%

Entre les jambes

Andi with hat

Self-Portrait 24.152

Eye Catching

Michel Desjoyeaux

Both these expressions and especially the first are remarkable.

33 Tours

Printemps

DiCaprio

Snoopy (Untitled)

Mickey - Be Happy

Duo

Caillou au trait rouge

The golden town

Io sono un genio

14 Luglio

Pas de titre

L'inizio della festa

Les boules

Natura morta con vespa

Poule faisane

Poule faisane

Poule faisane

Landscaping-CXXVI

City on the mountain

Golden fish

At the berth

Morning embankment

Sunset embankment

Morning silance

Sea down

3, 4 couleurs 3

3, 4 couleurs 2

Glowing Sentiment

Mickey Fuck

Andy Warhol Brillo 400% + 100%

Cyclops (The Simpsons) 400% + 100%

Marbles (Peanuts) 400%

Mickey Happy Never Ending

Flower Bomber

La Ronde

Mix II

Variations cinétiques 2

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Single mom

100 dollar - Pop Art Candy

Jazz Ball

Ball Room

Thank You Society

The End Of The Dream

Ronde Haring Colors

Par dessus les montagnes

Le prince de Perse

La lyre

In your eyes

La Reine de la Nuit

Scoop3

Untitled

Gold Albert

Flower Cat

Pez Candy bleu Klein