Exploring the Diverse Works of Meret Oppenheim at Basel Exhibition

In a significant exploration of artistic diversity, Hauser & Wirth Basel is currently showcasing a small yet impactful exhibition dedicated to the multifaceted works of Meret Oppenheim, running until July 19, 2025. Known primarily for her iconic fur-covered cup titled "Object" (1936), Oppenheim's oeuvre transcends simple categorization, demonstrating her refusal to be confined to any singular artistic style or movement.

Born in 1913 in Freiburg, Germany, Meret Oppenheim spent part of her childhood in Basel after her family relocated due to her father's conscription during World War I. This connection to Basel remained significant throughout her life, and her return in 1937 marked a pivotal shift as she sought to distance herself from the burgeoning fame of her Surrealist works in Paris. Oppenheim worked as a painting conservator in Basel, where she continued to live until her passing in 1985. Notably, a street and building have been named in her honor near Basel's main train station, recognizing her contributions to the art world and her local ties.

The current exhibition highlights Oppenheim's artistic range, featuring works that span from the melancholic oil paintings she created during the war years to her later, more abstract sculptures. As noted by Lee Cheshire in his June 18, 2025 article for The Art Newspaper, pieces like "Eichhörnchen" (Squirrel, 1970) and "Das Auge der Mona Lisa" (1967) exemplify her ability to blend wit with unsettling imagery, reflecting her unique perspective on art and life.

Oppenheim's approach was characterized by a spirited independence; she once stated, "I always did what I felt like doing. Committing to a particular style would’ve bored me to death." This philosophy is evident in the breadth of her works, which challenge viewers to reconsider preconceived notions of artistic classification.

According to Dr. Anna Müller, an art historian at the University of Basel, Oppenheim's works are significant not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for the conversations they spark about gender and identity in art. "Her ability to play with form and meaning invites the viewer to engage with deeper themes," Dr. Müller noted in an interview conducted on June 15, 2025.

In addition to her celebrated Surrealist pieces, the exhibition includes lesser-known works that showcase Oppenheim's versatility and evolution as an artist. Her later engagement with Surrealism, as seen in works like "Eichhörnchen," highlights her continuous exploration of identity and perception within her art. This is further emphasized by Dr. Jonathan Reyes, a curator at the Museum of Modern Art, who remarked, "Oppenheim's art serves as a mirror reflecting the complexities of the human experience, making her work timeless and relevant today."

The exhibition at Hauser & Wirth not only commemorates Oppenheim's legacy but also serves as a platform for discussions about her impact on contemporary art. As audiences engage with her diverse body of work, the exhibition invites a reevaluation of the traditional boundaries of artistic categories, positioning Oppenheim as a pioneering figure whose influence resonates across generations.

In conclusion, the ongoing exhibition at Hauser & Wirth Basel stands as a tribute to Meret Oppenheim's artistic legacy, celebrating her contributions to the Surrealist movement while acknowledging her broader impact on the art world. Visitors are encouraged to explore this unique showcase that encapsulates the spirit of an artist who defied conventions and continuously sought to express her artistic vision, ensuring her place in the canon of modern art.