Show me the mini

"The art of miniatures takes many forms and exists across time and cultures. Issues of size, scale, modeling, ownership, production, and historical and contemporary functions of miniatures will be examined. Questions that will be addressed include: How do views and inquiries of the artist, scientist, and designer benefit from comparisons and contrasts of a miniaturization of a work? What are perspective and scale in the arts? How do we define how we see things? This exhibition, which is drawn from the Harn's permanent collection of Asian art, highlights an overlooked theme in Asian art and presents a unique opportunity to remind viewers that art comes in all shapes and sizes. It also illuminates the investigation by our collective via constant inquiries into size, scale, modeling, technique, means/opportunities, and intellectual and theoretic growth. Why Mini? Why Now? Miniature artworks on display in museums often are overshadowed by monumental works. Show Me the Mini is organized to remind us that we are surrounded by that which is small and tiny, and that our languages reflect this reality. We encounter "mini" automobiles, microwave "mini" snacks, and endure micro-derm abrasion