Meret Oppenheim and her relation to Surrealism

Meret Oppenheim (1913-1985) was a Swiss artist and photographer known for her contribution to the
Surrealist movement. Born in Berlin, she moved to Switzerland during her childhood. In 1932, she moved
to Paris to study art, where she quickly joined Surrealist circles and became acquainted with famous
figures like André Breton and Max Ernst.

Her most famous work, "Le Déjeuner en fourrure" (1936), a teacup, saucer, and spoon covered in fur,
became an icon of Surrealism and brought her instant fame. However, the overwhelming attention led her
to a creative crisis and she withdrew from making art for several years.

Oppenheim returned to Switzerland and, after a period of introspection, resumed her artistic career,
exploring a wide variety of media and themes, from painting to furniture design. Her work often delved
into mythology, metamorphosis, and nature, challenging social and artistic conventions.

Throughout her life, Oppenheim fought for artistic independence and resisted being solely labeled as a
Surrealist. She passed away in Basel in 1985, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most innovative and
controversial figures in 20th century art.

But, what makes Meret Oppenheim a surrealist artist? What is her relationship to this movement?

Surrealism first appeared as a cutting-edge movement in the early 1900s, especially after World War I.
Influential leaders such as André Breton guided Surrealism in exploring the mysteries of the subconscious,
viewing it as a source of innovation and undiscovered abilities. Surrealists believed in rejecting traditional
thinking and societal norms, embracing the irrational, the bizarre, and the creative.

Artists associated with Surrealism employed a variety of techniques to bring their visions to life. They
often combined seemingly unrelated elements, distorted reality, and employed unexpected materials to
create their works. Their goal was to evoke emotional and intellectual reactions from the audience,
challenging traditional ways of seeing and encouraging people to explore different realities.

Surrealist art is characterized by its dreamlike imagery, with fantastical landscapes, bizarre juxtapositions
of objects, and unexpected transformations that are often seen in these artworks. These elements were
used to evoke a sense of wonder, mystery, and unease, encouraging viewers to question the nature of
reality and the workings of the subconscious mind. Many Surrealist artists also used their work as a
platform for social and political commentary. Themes such as war, oppression, and the alienation of
modern life were often addressed, athrough they were portrayed though the lens of the irrational and the
absurd.

One of the best examples of Meret’s Surrealist approach (as commented before) is her famous piece
"Object (Le Déjeuner en fourrure)". In this work, she covered a simple tea cup, saucer, and spoon with fur.
This unexpected combination shocks viewers and prompts them to see these common objects in a new
light. The piece is unsettling and intriguing at the same time. It captures the essence of Surrealist art,
which aims to question ordinary perceptions and evoke a sense of the mystery.
 Meret Oppenheim, Object (Fur-covered cup, saucer, and spoon). Khan Academy. (n.d.). From
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/later-europe-and-americas/modernity-ap/a/meret-oppenheim-object-
fur-covered-cup-saucer-and-spoon

Another aspect of her work that aligns with Surrealism is her use of everyday materials in unconventional
ways. For instance, in her piece "Ma Gouvernante – My Nurse – Mein Kindermädchen", she trussed up a
pair of white high-heeled shoes on a silver platter, making them look like a trussed chicken ready to be
served. This surreal transformation of familiar objects into bizarre and symbolic forms reflects the
Surrealist interest in the strange and the irrational.
Meret Oppenheim, Ma gouvernante – My Nurse – Mein Kindermädchen, 1936/1967. Moderna Museet, Stockholm. © Artists
Rights Society (ARS), New York / Pro Litteris, Zurich. From https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathonkeats/2022/04/07/this-
retrospective-celebrates-the-proto-feminist-surrealist-who-trounced-her-male-competition/?sh=1b37707b5412

Oppenheim's art also often incorporates elements of fantasy and myth, blending them with real-life
objects to create a dream- like atmosphere. Her work is infused with a playful yet deep exploration of
themes like gender roles and social norms that challenged the traditional stereotypes of that time. For
example, her "Table with Bird’s Legs" transforms a conventional table into something extraordinary and
surreal by replacing its legs with those of a bird, turning an ordinary piece of furniture into something
fantastical and surreal.

Meret Oppenheim, Table with Bird’s Legs, 1939. From https://www.mutualart.com/Artwork/TABLE-WITH-BIRD-S-

Meret Oppenheim (as mentioned before), had connections to influential figures in the Surrealist movement
such as Man Ray, André Breton, and Max Ernst. These connections played a crucial role in her
integration into the artistic community. Collaborating with these artists and exhibiting her work alongside
theirs greatly influenced her artistic style, which was shaped by Surrealist beliefs.

In conclusion, Meret Oppenheim is considered a part of the Surrealism movement because her work
embodies the movement's core principles: incorporating dream-like images, turning ordinary objects into
extraordinary ones, and questioning conventional thinking. Her unique and creative approach to art still
serves as a source of inspiration and fascination, making her a significant figure in Surrealism's history.

Moreover, I believe her work is very powerful because as a woman she broke gender barriers in the male-
dominated art world, becoming a leading figure in the Surrealist movement. Her innovative and
provocative works challenged societal norms and expectations about women, art, and sexuality.
Oppenheim's strong sense of independence and ability to adapt creatively opened doors for future
generations of female artists to delve into their own unique artistic forms.

Bibliography

MoMA. (n.d.). Meret Oppenheim. From https://www.moma.org/artists/4416

Widewalls. (n.d.). Meret Oppenheim. From https://www.widewalls.ch/artists/meret-oppenheim

MoMA. (n.d.). Meret Oppenheim. Object. 1936. From https://www.moma.org/collection/works/80997

Tate. (n.d.). Surrealism. From https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/s/surrealism

Koppman, D. (2020, August 27). What is Surrealism?. ThoughtCo. From

Mariya Butryn