Early Life and Influences
- Born: Berlin, Germany (1913)
- Died: 1985
- Named after Meretlein from Gottfried Keller's "Green Henry."
- Family moved to Delémont, Switzerland, due to her father’s military service during World War I.
- Exposure to art and artists at a young age in Switzerland.
- Inspired by her aunt, Ruth Wenger, and her modern lifestyle.
- Influenced by Modernism, Expressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism.
- Introduced to the writings of Carl Jung and began recording dreams, which became important sources for her art.
- The work of Paul Klee significantly influenced her artistic development.
Career and Artistic Development
- Moved to Paris in 1932 and attended the Académie de la Grande Chaumière.
- Participated in Surrealist exhibitions starting in 1933, associating with André Breton, Man Ray, Max Ernst, and others.
- First solo exhibition in Basel in 1936 at Galerie Schulthess.
- Artistic block began in 1937 after initial success; destroyed much of her work during this period.
- Returned to art in the 1950s, reverting to earlier styles and themes.
Major Works and Style
- Object (Le Déjeuner en fourrure) (1936): Her most famous artwork – a teacup, saucer, and spoon covered in fur. This piece explores themes of female sexuality, luxury, and the objectification of women.
- Her work often incorporated everyday objects arranged to evoke dreamlike or unsettling scenarios.
- Explored themes of femininity, exploitation, and the subconscious through her paintings and sculptures.
- Style characterized by a blend of Surrealism, Dada influences, and personal symbolism.
Historical Significance and Legacy
- Considered a leading figure in the Surrealist movement.
- Her work challenged conventional notions of art and gender roles.
- Object (Le Déjeuner en fourrure) became an iconic symbol of 20th-century art, acquired by MoMA shortly after its creation.
- Oppenheim's exploration of dreams, sexuality, and the subconscious continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.
- Her later work emphasized personal freedom and the "androgyny of the mind."
Key Influences and Artistic Circle
- Carl Jung: His theories on psychoanalysis and archetypes profoundly influenced her artistic themes and imagery.
- Paul Klee: Inspired by his abstract style and exploration of color and form.
- André Breton: A key figure in the Surrealist movement who encouraged and promoted her work.
- Marcel Duchamp & Max Ernst: Their conceptual approach to art influenced her use of everyday objects.
- Man Ray: Collaborated with Oppenheim on photographic works, including nude portraits.
