Meret Oppenheim 1913 – 1985

Biography

Meret Oppenheim was the surrealist rebel who refused to stay in one lane. Born in Berlin in 1913, this German-Swiss artist and poet became a force in twentieth-century surrealism by fearlessly crossing between visual art and literary expression—a boundary most artists wouldn’t dare challenge. Her work embodied surrealism’s core mission: diving deep into the unconscious mind to unlock imagination unfettered by logic.

What set Oppenheim apart was her refusal to be confined. While her peers often specialized, she moved fluidly between painting, poetry, and conceptual experimentation, creating pieces that questioned what art could be and do. Her multidisciplinary approach was radical for the era, positioning her as a distinctive voice in a movement already known for pushing limits.

Oppenheim eventually settled in Switzerland, where she remained creatively active until her death in Basel in 1985. She was buried in Carona, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate art lovers—proof that true innovation lies in breaking the rules, not following them.