Masterpieces in MINIATURE
The coronavirus pandemic led to a unique and creative idea from the Pallant House Gallery in West Sussex when they commissioned a model art gallery to feature original miniature artworks from 34 leading contemporary British artists. The result represents a microcosm of art including sculpture, ceramics, photography and painting – all in miniature, ranging from the size of a pound coin to no larger than 20cm. John Akomfrah, Michael Armitage, Tacita Dean, Lubaina Himid, Damien Hirst, Magdalene Odundo and Gillian Wearing are just some of the artists who have contributed to the project.
The Model Art Gallery, which fills a whole room, will go on display alongside two earlier model galleries – The Thirty Four Gallery, and The Model Art Gallery 2000, which showcase over 80 years of British art. Pallant House Gallery director, Simon Martin explained: ‘Inspired by the earlier model galleries I wrote to some of Britain’s leading contemporary artists to ask whether they might participate in a project to create something positive out of the pandemic. Most of the artists usually work on a large scale and were excited by the challenge of condensing their ideas into a miniature artwork and by being part of such a unique history of modern and contemporary British art. We want The
2021 Model Art Gallery to be a way to inspire children and young people and to interest them in contemporary art. After it is shown at Pallant House Gallery we will tour it to other museums and galleries around the UK to reach a wide range of audiences. ‘
Masterpieces in Miniature: The 2021 Model Art Gallery can be seen at Pallant House Gallery, 8-9 North Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex, until the spring 2022. For tickets and more information telephone 01243 774557 or visit www.pallant.org.uk