Artists often manipulate scale distortion to evoke surrealism or exaggeration in their work, challenging viewers' perceptions of reality. By altering the proportions of objects or figures, they create striking visual contrasts that defy natural laws. Some enlarge mundane items to monumental sizes, imbuing them with symbolic weight, while others shrink elements to emphasize fragility or insignificance.

Techniques like forced perspective, disproportionate scaling, and hybrid compositions allow artists to play with depth and dimension. For instance, Salvador Dalí's melting clocks warp time's perception, while Claes Oldenburg's oversized sculptures transform ordinary objects into whimsical monuments.

Scale distortion also amplifies emotional impact—giant hands might convey power, while tiny faces evoke vulnerability. Digital tools now enable even more extreme experimentation, pushing boundaries in surreal and hyperrealistic art. Ultimately, these distortions invite audiences to question reality and engage more deeply with the artist's vision.