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

Untitled

Untitled q607

Family

Rhythm of Nothingness

Spring

Pop Art Communication x Haring x 24/7 (yellow)

Sans titre

Pomme d'amour

Geotropisme 19

Sans-titre

Five 2

Vast IV

Artwork 8

21DM0105

Cheval vert II

Toy Soldier, Girl

Fusion

Analog (Abstract painting)

Lumières d'automne

Composition

Sans titre - série paysage et végétal

Ainz

Sitges

Cedar (Small)

Dans l’alcove

Jour et nuit (ermioni 4h-5h)

Lady bird

Le drapeau révolutionnaire 1989 Revolution flag

La montée des eaux

Where Hearts Align

La nuit se lève, la lune s'élève

Eternal Summer

Simplicité édition d'art

BW50406

Red Rose of the Revolution

Central Park View II

Petite Poterie blanche

Chuchotement

Via Lunae

Sans titre 5

Eye to eye

Crisálida

Tête de Lion 3/8

Untitled

Composition en noir

Storm Hemlet #06

The saxophonist from the Star Wars bar

Zenjiro

La Plage - série bord de mer

Framed

Venice Two

F9

Les derniers jours de mars, avec les lumières des bistrots et nos secrets

La Nascita, Milano Centrale, Italie

Temps moderne - série invention bronze

Infinity

Waiting

Self Portrait

Sole

Des vices

Bloc 1

Still Life - Abstract Series (unique mixed media on paper), 2010

Emotion 20200530

Composition abstraite

Cornflowers and Phloxes

Senza titolo