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

Audrey

Brasier boréal

Serge Gainsbourg

The Dimpsons

Rencontres

Immersio 271

Neige près de Lacoste

Homme Oiseau Jaune 1984 Yellow Man Bird

Melty 19

Priest

Syzygie

Woman Hiking up her Dress

Ovale Mouvement

Profile of Abstraction

About Happiness

Fragile #3

Portrait 1

The Spirit Remains

Masque 4

Pop Cola Red

yellow pylon worker

Inca

Sans titre 7

Visage contre visage

Cyclops 2

Iris

Eclair

B/V

Double Faces !

Le marin c'est toi

They come down hard

Happy gathering time

Mosaic Trio

KF1820

Portrait of Francis Picabia

Clown jongleur

Invisible Narratives 8.

Portrait

Loves

Have I Told You Lately?

Léviathan

Girl at the table

Punch Magazine

Untitled

Origin Story

Apurant

Pasiones

Vibrations 3

Mountain n°6

Untitled

Gallopp VA

Bond

Colombe blanche White Dove

Framed Color Face II

The World

Esso Oil Can

Traje para la crisis -serie-

L.o.v.e

Petit cadeau erotique in Milano

Oak Bay Study

Ice cream richie

Spring scent

Le port de Brigneau, Bretagne réf: CPBD1033

Walden 7, Serie V - Limited Edition

Botched babe

Umano