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

Series of prints "Family"

Series of prints "Family"

Donald

Le masque africain

Red Tomato

Homer Simpson luxe (1)

Stitch Luxe

Smoking

Smoking

Escale à Saint-Malo

Bett'boop

Picsou LV

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

L'amour dans l'eau

Au cœur de la mer

Luxe Chat & Volupté 2

Without title

Banksywood Doodle

La fillette au cœur qui s'envole Love

Guerrier d'outremer

Post Mortem V

Gorille

Aphorisme

Fragmentation

Pink panthère luxe

Water Field 2

Jungle Cosmique

Donald's Fanta

Hair Bouquet 2

Col de San Stefano

Tête de Ventasuso

Mont Séti

Mickey Runner

Sunny bones

Zoo doodle

12 (December)

Quand ma matrioshka rencontre Munch

Water Field. Mixte Sous Epoxy

Lampara 1

Flowering in the vineyard - Tuscany painting landscape

Hair Bouquet 6

Money bomb

Sunday Morning

RX84T

Louis V

Fondazione Prada 2

Fondazione Prada 1

Sans Titre (#5)

Wood III

Altitude 02

Penny

Elena

Toon love

Strawberry

Billy et Lester young

Untitled (Facade)

Untitled (Exterior)

Untitled (Tomb)

Untitled (ufo)

Sourire Léger

Sourire de Banquier

Les absolues "21 VIII 2007"

Les absolues "23 III 2006"