We are exhorted to “pay attention to details” and by doing so the larger endeavours will fall into place. We have been counselled to acknowledge “the power of one” and to focus on the importance of the individual, no matter how small or inconsequential. Conversely, we have also been advised “not to sweat the small things”. Man’s fascination with minutiae extends into the sciences where microscopic discoveries illuminate health, engineering and physics. The ability of the eye to delve ever tinier has been aesthetically grasped in carvings on grains of rice, Roman enamels, Persian miniatures and renaissance religious icons. The applied arts have grappled with such preciously miniscule treasures as tapestries made of hair and beaded carpets.

Six artists reveal their obsessive ability in Minutial Matters at Headbones Gallery. From New York, Ruth Waldman’s works has been honoured in exhibitions that ranged from a concentration on size and detail to spotlighting the disguised eroticism of her characters. Katia Santibanez, also from New York where Pace Editions is currently showing her work, speaks an erotic visual language as well but hers is one of tickling hairs and sensuous wavering. Daniel Hanequand’s miniature paintings on panels reveal an intimate futuristic realm that has been executed with such care that wonder follows on perusal. He is an accomplished master of his own universe. Two emerging artists introduce their latest works. Cole Swanson who was trained in India in the art of miniature painting airs his skills with a contemporary subject matter. These paintings must be exhibited under glass for so delicate is the surface that even a drop of moisture can disturb the perfection. Mitsuo Kimura, from Tokyo, presents small paintings on stretched paper that recall Japanese animation, fabrics and design wherein he tells of his reactions to the western world in lively saturated colours and stylised characters. And re-emerging from Toronto is Larry Eisenstein’s full-on obsessive doodles of evolving forms and obfuscated narratives.

Clearly, these artists have “sweated the small stuff”, spent time with a magnifying glass and exerted patience born of dedicated practices.