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

Spirit of Forest 2031

Spirit of Forest 2029

Spirit of Forest 2023

Spirit of Forest 2021

Spirit of Forest 2005

Spirit of Forest 865

Spirit of Forest 718

Spirit of Forest 700

Spirit of Forest 404

Spirit of Forest 212

Spirit of Forest 49

Spirit of Forest 22

Marilyn Relaxes in Her Hotel Room

Fosse 10 de Courrieres Lens

Ile de Brise Pain Creteil

Bluesman on Beale

MP474

MP208

MP391

MP096

MP109

MP296

Ein-Stein-Zeit

Im

Racine

Mon illusion

Miroir de Loire

Bojagi

MP472

MP462

MP470

MP350

MP355

MP357

MP168

MP405

MP173

MP052

MP129

MP323

MP060

MP052

MP059

MP001

Lunar

00H00

Estuary 1

A l'ombre d'un regard

Marée

A travers les vents

Point Break

Liz Pringle Refreshments in Jamaica

Jean Patchett for Saks Fifth Avenue

Seaplane At Palm Beach

11h53 - 6,09, Crue de la Seine - Paris 2016

Andi with Leica M 3 and Yamamoto coat

Évasion

Audrey Hepburn Profile

Audrey Hepburn Laying Down

Swipe 3

L'abreuvoir d'Eiffel

Vagues et Noir

L'échappée

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera

Directive Forces. Photograph intervened by the artists

El barbudo