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

Minifig-2

Nounours in red pop

Mickey Pop Art #1

Popeye

La solution à tout

Love

Wild Kong TAG Street Art 30cm

Éléphant disco

Roboclusion XL Tribute to Keith Haring

Nono

Les Bidules en coeur

Iron Man

Miss Color Pop Be

Yes (mini)

Mr.Hope Multi "Hope Love "

L'oiseau

Keep it on The Low

It's All Good

Yo Wassup?

Lets Play

Go With The Flow

I Can't See You

Be Happy - In the Wood Planks

Best Friends - In the Wood Planks

Be Curious - In the Wood Planks

Batman - Luxurious

Titi & Grosminet in the Wood Planks

Snoopy In the Wood Planks

Snoopy In my Youth

Richie Rich in the Wood Planks

Snoopy in the Wood Planks

Pink Panther in the Wood Planks

Mickey in the Wood Planks

Tomato soup Pink & Gold

Labyrinthe Love

Mr Hope flower sun

Mr.Hope et ses fleurs

Mr.Hope in love

Mr.Hope est au vert

Mr.Hope Love Love

Mr Hope en mode nature

Mr.Hope en noir et blanc

Banksyskull Jeu de coeur

Marge Simpson with Rod and Todd Flanders

Homer Simpson

Vegas pop art L.V

Martin Luther King

What do I think?

Marylin Dollar

KoonsSkull blue yellow

KoonsSkull blue

Hashtag

Rain

Fille au coeur Doodle

Acdc

Monade

Picsou

Planche Originale Batman : Gotham Knights #18 page 12

Planche Originale Batman : Gotham Knights #18 page 11

Banksywood love red and gold

M&M'S

Puzzleravi

Rolling stones

Mario Strass

Bibendum Vans

Minion