Meret Oppenheim Plaque

In a city brimming with history, a plaque whispers a tale. The Meret Oppenheim Plaque, nestled on the wall of a building in Berlin-Halensee, marks the birthplace of a remarkable woman. Meret Oppenheim, born on October 6, 1913, was a surrealist artist and poet whose life journey began right here at Joachim-Friedrich-Strasse 48. The Meret Oppenheim Plaque inscription, “>mit ganz enorm wenig viel<" (with very little, very much), encapsulates her artistic philosophy. Though born in Berlin, her family, with its Swiss roots, moved to Steinen near Lörrach, Germany, in 1914. This relocation placed her near the Swiss border, and Switzerland played a significant role in her life. Oppenheim's creative spirit blossomed early. Inspired by her grandmother, Lisa Wenger, a painter and children's book author, young Meret found her calling as an artist. In 1932, she made the bold move to Paris. There, amidst the vibrant art scene, she encountered figures like Alberto Giacometti and Hans Arp. These artists, captivated by her work, invited her to exhibit at the Salon des Surindépendants. Meret Oppenheim's name became intertwined with surrealism. She moved in the circles of André Breton and Marcel Duchamp. She created iconic pieces like "Déjeuner en fourrure" ("Breakfast in Fur"), a fur-covered teacup, saucer, and spoon. This piece, along with "Ma Gouvernante" ("My Nurse"), was acquired by Alfred Barr Jr. for the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Despite this early success, Oppenheim faced a creative crisis. She returned to Switzerland, joining the Gruppe 33, and honed her technical skills at the Kunstgewerbeschule in Basel. Her creative wellspring replenished, she embarked on a prolific period of art making in 1958. Oppenheim revisited sketches and ideas from her Paris years. She split her time between Paris, Bern, and Carona, Switzerland. The Meret Oppenheim Plaque in Berlin stands as a testament to her enduring legacy. She received numerous accolades, including the Art Award of the City of Basel in 1974 and the Grand Prize of the City of Berlin in 1982. Her influence extended beyond visual art. She wrote surrealist poetry. Some of her poetic works are preserved in the Phonothek in Lugano, Switzerland. Meret Oppenheim died on November 15, 1985, the day of the vernissage for her book "Caroline". The Meret Oppenheim Plaque, with its simple inscription, speaks volumes about a woman who, with very little, achieved so much. It invites us to remember her not just as a surrealist icon, but as a woman who dared to take freedom and create her own unique path.