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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Categories

Subcategories

Small

Taureau

Untitled (Temple)

Moving

Failles #01 Irlande

Sans titre

Récitation à l’éloge d’une Reine

Kiss

Amitié

Le Polisson

Masque Cubiste Grand

Harmonie de Samothrace Grand

Hope Of Deliverance

Essence de jeunesse

L'affranchie

Fly Over Wide Fields

Guitariste Arlequin Grand

No Need To Hide

No Need To Hide (Papyrus)

Savoring Sun

La main du Père

La Famille

Leaving The World Behind (Papyrus)

Dialogue

Oiseau et Étoile

Untitled 56

De la série ”A travers…20"

Floral Emotions

Une étoile de craie

Mickey Peace

Running Out

D'où sentez vous la même chose ?

Ô mésange, ô peut-être

Une étoile de craie

Une étoile de craie

Love is the key

A hidden kernel

Symphonie verticale

Cherishing Friendship

Skyblue Sun

Rayonnement

I'll hold you in my heart woman

Hombre de la Luna

Expand Oiseau et Lune

Polar bear silver

La magrana 3

La magrana 4

La magrana 2

Huir por las esquinas y encerrarse en los

Asesinado por el cielo, entre las formas que van

A la izquierda, a la derecha, por el sur y por el norte

A tu violencia granate, sordomudos en la penumbra

Con una cuchara de palo

Ensayo

Le sentier côtier

Ambong Bay

Oracles et spectacles 7

Oracles et spectacles 3

Oracles et spectacles 2

Lucky Luke on Keith's Dog (plan du métro de Paris)

Tsiga & Biga (4)

Tsiga & Biga (6)

Warmis

Autoportrait II

Hear My Freedom

Gold Brush

Happy life