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

Untitled

LIBRE

Hermes splat !

Isis’ Strength

Impresion over view

Concern

Care

Flexo un temps pour lire

U.S Comics

Mirrors of Memory

Transient Forms

Atlas & Gold Glove

Hercules in Flight

David in Meditation with Neon Design

Firework

Amour Bobigny

Ephémères colorés (N° Inédit)

Stranger No. 3

Clarity No. 2

Petite femme au voile orange

Soul

Borrowed Time

The sound if flying souls

Hexa Flowery Audrey

Marilyn Monroe 26

Magic Game, no. VI/VIII

Graffiti

La Poule

Anna Piaggi

Marc Jacobs fall 2020

Alessandro Michelle yellow

Orange Shirt

Amal, George Clooney and Julia Roberts

Orince Eagle (After a Photograph by Elizabeth Peyton)

Pierpaolo Piccioli for Moncler

Matador

The Party (Brown)

Geisha ll

Mother and child

Untitled SM 23

Untitled SM 35

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Prada Bag Ladies

Portrait #9

Time off Pink

The Enigmatic Gathering

Family Brown

OH OH ! SURPRISE

Johan's Hope

Portrait

Wanted

Woman with a scarf

El caballero

Hexa Flowery Frida

Currency #209

Hercule Temple Design

Hercule & Batman Pop Art Design

Daft Punk Red Angel

Acteur de l'ombre 103-19

Pavarti Ultime

Rimbaud

Aquarium at Coney Island, Ny

Son de Santiago

Cheveux d'Encre Peace