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

Rolling Stones - Made in the shade

Hoop Dreams

Untitled

Le Petit Prince revisite Keith Haring

Study

Drawing

Chomp

Unity Blooming Bear - Small

Sweet space voyage

Gucumatz

Dammaged can

Oh My Vid.

Gélule Addict

Journée au musée en 2052

Hello Love

Stand

Up

Untitleed

Mathilda & Leo (Shot/Reverse Shot)

Untitled

DotNuts

The Mysterious Appearance of the Georgia O'Keefe Mug

Hommage à Appel

Pepper pot

The Wealthy Angel

Gremlins

Sergei Sviatchenko - Capacity For Conjuring Illusion 8

Freddie

Planche Originale FANTAX N°35 page Titre "Le bolide Noir"

Crooner

Untitled

Andy Warhol

Big Balloon Ganesha

Splash It Pepsi

Andy Warhol

Butcher

Sodium II

Pink persona

Mar de nuestros Ancestros

Magic friendship

L'amour est la solution série relations humaines

Behind The Flowers

Abbey Road, Unglik original, signed by the artist

LV X Nike sneaker (Yellow)

Dec. 21 / Dec. 28, 2020 (Person of the year)

Cat

The Scrooge (Red Edition)

Botero

Positiv tv

Everything is Going to be Alright (Work No. 3531)

Bardot Forever

The Meal

Joy wave (copy )

Punky Skull Onesiker Black Storm

Planche original - Venom

Peter Pan Camel

Harmonie de Samothrace feu rouge

Savoring Sun

Leaving The World Behind

Fille Ballon Encadré

Gravity

Stormtroopers colors

Chien Ballon apesanteur en nickel rouge 38

Chien Ballon apesanteur en nickel bleue 38

Panoramix

Running Out