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

Le refus du combat

Ohne Titel / Without title

Ponder II

Self-Portrait 20.122

Love bicycle

Gold abstract painting #0013

Sans-titre

Sans-titre

Module 2 x 2, 3.4.7, 130°

Strates 37

Desert Cactus

Boutons d’or

Egg Study 5, Silver Gelatin Print

Enso11

Enso12

For You

Stainless Steel Bear Family of 3

Stainless Steel Bear Family of 4

Big Stainless Steel Bear Boss

Big Stainless Steel Bear Arthur

Middle Cactus with White, Steel Minimalistic Abstract Sculpture

Big Cactus with White, Steel Minimalistic Abstract Sculpture

Inclined sphere circle

Abstract Cactus

Silver birds of paradise

Leopard pattern

Monochrome Tiger Pattern

Monochrome Giraffe Pattern

Warm evening

Lilies

Méditation Horizon

Méditation Horizon

Big stainless steel bear

Polygonatum flower

Sansevieria

Olive tree

Cyclamen flower

Rochers ardents

In my dreams

Writer 01

Brown tree leaves

Golden blossom

Evening field

Dark red lilies

Blue melody

That moment

Perfect mono

Monochrome mood

Monochrome Iris

Letter to my grandma

Frosen berrires

Dry Hortensia in a vase

Brown bananas

Brown tropical leaves

Acorn nut

Black water lily

Rose bud

Narcissus

Illusione e libertà

Alicia on mirror

Middle Stainless Steel Bear

Rudbeckia Black and White

Magnolia Burgundy

Lilium Black

Iris Germanica Blue

Anthurium Black and White