Wacky, Wonderful and Oh So Small

May 1, 2023 by Two Sues On the Aisle

By Sue Weston and Susan Rosenbluth –  Two Sues On The Aisle

The expression “good things come in small packages” is fitting for New York’s immersive experience Small is Beautiful, a touring miniature art universe exhibition featuring over 32 international artists and 130 pieces of art. Immerse in the magical, sometimes unusual world of some of the greatest artists in miniature art. Discover miniature art, which is an expansive and emerging art form that captivates the imagination. Miniature art plays with scale and perspective challenging your perception, presenting the world differently.

Some artists transform existing everyday objects, while others design tiny replicas with extreme precision, often adding a unique spin. Small is Beautiful showcases them in a repurposed space at 718 Broadway. The exhibit which opened on February 21, 2023, looks unremarkable from the street. As we passed through the turnstile we entered a world of pure imagination.

Wander through the exhibition and let the art speak for itself or scan the posted QR codes for an audio guide. We were enthralled by the variety of styles, and sheer magnitude of pieces on display as the exhibition flowed across two floors.

Introduction to Miniature Art

What comes to mind when you think about miniatures? If you think of dollhouses, Small is Beautiful has that, but in a grand style with exacting perfection. Their pieces extend beyond reproductions, offering the artists’ commentary on life. We were taken by surprise by the witty dioramas making social commentaries. These are provocative creations, some lightheartedly poking fun at life, others showing abandonment, all delivered with skill, precision, and imagination from a vantage point that defies logic. These artists cause viewers to pause, and question.

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The show was cleverly curated to include a variety of styles, and artists from many countries, using different mediums, scales, and perspectives.

Several callouts include Gaspard Mitz whose works make fun of paintings, adding a new dimension to Gerard’s Breakfast a 17th-century painting with figurines bringing food to Gerard.

 

 

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MINIMIAM, Akiko Ida, and Pierre Javelle, a Franco-Japanese food photography duo, created miniature food art with tiny characters in mini worlds occupied in a variety of activities both offbeat and on-point.

In a similar vein, visual artist, and photographer, Slinkachu stages tiny characters in urban settings photographs them, and then “abandons” them.

 

 

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Our favorite was Vincent Bal, a Belgian illustrator who created a miniature art universe that uses light and reflection to add dimensions to his skilled, playful drawings. Bal was inspired by the shadow cast by a cup of tea that reminded him of an elephant’s silhouette. He named his art form ‘ombrology’, the art of playing with shadow and light, integrating everyday objects into his captivating imagery.  We appreciated his dry humor and wit.

Another discipline focuses craftsmanship on a minuscule scale, so small they require a magnifying glass to see, and extremely precise. We were enthralled by Lucia Dolgopolova’s crocheted animals encased in miniature glass corked bottles, equally captivated by the diminutive paintings and 3-D representations, all requiring magnification to see. These smallest works are positioned as the finale of the exhibition and left us speechless.

More than An Art Gallery

Small is Beautiful connects visitors and miniature art. Like traditional galleries, each piece is titled with explanations about the medium, and the artist. For smaller pieces, they include life-size blown-up photographs, which transform the displays from a ‘Where’s Waldo’ experience that challenges a visitors’ power of observation into a focused discovery from the artist’s perspective.

The exhibit includes so many spectacular pieces, words cannot do them justice, they are meant to be experienced. We could have spent hours studying each piece. Small is Beautiful is a fun exhibit, perfect for families and kids of all ages.  Tap into your inner child and go small!

As an added bonus, Small Is Beautiful offers one-hour workshops on Sunday for children (ages 5 – 12) taught by Picassos’ Art Teachers. [Tickets include entry to the exhibit]

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Two Sues on the Aisle bases its ratings on how many challahs (1-5) it pays to buy (rather than make) in order to see the play, show, film, or exhibit being reviewed. 

Small Is Beautiful Received a 5 Challah rating