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

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Small

Sil

Purple brown silent streets collection 1 Flo

Bambola rotta Little stories of dolls with face powder

Dove Geometric Rouge

Affiche ancienne

Vieux murs

Vieille affiche

Sans titre

Power glory letterpress

AH!

Abysses

Au Cabaret

Queen Purple

Paysage No°7

Paysage No°6

Paysage No°3

Paysage No°2

Paysage No°1

Comic Comics

18A5

Pierre de Rêve XLIX

Untitled - 3

Dove Geometric Jaune

Voorste Stroom (Série reflets)

Villa d'Este (Série reflets)

Le Huteau (Série reflets)

L’Oise (Série reflets)

13.1.16

Untitled (ID 1297)

Pattern from the Vineyard

Untitled - 1

Eggs

BRB 11

Water ringlet (Erebia pronoe)

Orange tip (Anthocharis cardamines)

Under the Moon and Stars

ZV XXIX (Sg169)

Houston, We Got A Problem, 3

Houston, We Got A Problem, 1

Best of Both Worlds

Rulers

La Tombe du Père

Retro Fantastic 14

Retro Fantastic 4

Retro Fantastic 12

Floor

Special Forces

Red Rose 3

Red Rose 2

Coloured Girls 17

Coloured Girls 15

Coloured Girls 14

Coloured Girls 16

Coloured Girls 8

Marvel Heroes 1

Karton

Carré Rouge

S-AB

Cloned Polar Bear with pet bottle

L'oiseau totem

Shoot The Bank Marseille Show 10/13

Masqué

Marilyn Arabian

Marilyn looking up in the wedding veil

Marilyn stretching the jewelry

Milla Jovovich