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

Sans-titre

Five 2

Sans titre 5

Vast IV

Romantic plants 1

Eye to eye

Série : Portrait de couleur - tableau No 1

Artwork 8

21DM0105

Cheval vert II

Storm Hemlet #06

Toy Soldier, Girl

Fusion

Analog (Abstract painting)

Lumières d'automne

Composition

Sans titre - série paysage et végétal

Drip chrome

BW50406

A Chick

Sitges

Waiting here 1010

Cedar (Small)

Dans l’alcove

Jour et nuit (ermioni 4h-5h)

Lady bird

Petite Poterie blanche

Le drapeau révolutionnaire 1989 Revolution flag

Sole

Where Hearts Align

Ainz

Soir d 'été

La nuit se lève, la lune s'élève

Eternal Summer

Tête de Lion 3/8

Red Rose of the Revolution

Balloon Rabbit (Violet)

Via Lunae

Crisálida

Gravure pour 10

Love keeps you young

The saxophonist from the Star Wars bar

Moya volant

Framed

Venice Two

F9

Self-Portrait 24.143

Rouget d'origine noble dorée

Infinity

Waiting

Femme en rouge à lèvres

Self Portrait

Closer to the Sun

Des vices

Bloc 1

Composition

Promenade dans la forêt

Cornflowers and Phloxes

Sauvage

Autumn Leaves Abstraction 1

Senza titolo

Wild life 1

Central Park View II

Étude pour un paysage idéal

Sans-titre

Autour du fleuve