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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Subcategories

Small

Dog Save the Queen

Studies into the past (Anima)

Chapelle dans le couserans (Ariège)

Sans titre I

The Electromagnetic Wave

Wanderland

Untitled (Reflection)

Butterflies in Her Hair

Translucent

Vase Terra 3

Mallorca

Beach

Between

Libra

Sewing Nets

Les voiles rouges

Aigua IV

Música y cava

I Love I 2

Le photographe

Infinity I

I wish you

Sans titre 2

Animal Painting #018-1632

Bob Marley

Water

Untitled 1

Plume

Sans titre

Darkness 1

Essential Workers

Castaway

Ma belle et moi

Untitled III

Gently transformation

The tree of life | Forest landscape natural art

Blue dream

He Used To Be A Big Shot

L'uppercut de l'amour

J'arrive

Sans-titre

Combat 1987 Fight

S/título 6

Sunlight

Orville

Nefer volcano

Breathe

Untitled

Denim

Nébuleuse 1

The Garden of Dreams

A good morning

The Minority

Draw the table Ukiyo Folds

Village 28

Champs Cathédrale de Chartres Fields Cathedral

RESTEZ CHEZ VOUS

Untitled 6

Coke! Sculpture

Political Demagogy III

Chromatic dialog #77

Le chêne à trois troncs n°22

Blasket Sound

Untitled Cosmic

The beginning of January in the forest

Èter I