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

Subcategories

Small

Polaris III

Variable

Fluide

Convergence

Monde en contraste

Lueur intemporelle - Timeless glow

Echo géométrique - Geometrical echo

Enigme convergente - Convergent enigma

Danse des formes - Dancing shapes

Contraste en silence - Silent contrast

Harmonie d'équilibre _ Harmonious balance

Small grey test pattern 2

Abstract-3126

Abstract-3109

Abstract-3108

Feline Spatial Concept: A Tribute to Fontana

Lunar

Polychrome 4

Marsfeld XXVI

Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Landscape

City Bird II

SIMPLICITÉ

Vision 7

Floral No. 30

Floral No. 26

Floral No. 23

Amoureux

Respiration

Délicatesse

3, 4 couleurs #7

Lueur 4

Lueur 3

Static 415 Framed abstract yellow /green paintnig

Organic interaction

Imagine

Fantaisie 7 - Série abstraction poétique

Acrobates

Ragisména series White M6 and M5, Diptych

Ragisména series White M3 and M4, Diptych

Ragisména series White M2 and M1, Diptych

Sign No. 14

Horizon - DV37

Trumpet - DV33

Creux 1 (bas relief)

Creux 2 (bas relief)

En cascade (Bas Relief)

Dance of light and shadow

Nuage XXXI (paysage, ciel)

Small Red Orbit

Équilibre illusoire 67

Dime que esperabas (Emotion Cores. Coded Paintings Series)

Line 6

In Search of Meaning

Infinite randomness V, XIII

Infinite randomness V, XII

Infinite randomness V, IX

Infinite randomness V, VIII

Infinite randomness V, VII

Infinite randomness V, V

The New World

Seltener Vogel V (Tukan)

Passage 2

Vision 10

Vision 9

Vision 8

Vision 6