Born in Berlin and raised in Switzerland, Meret Oppenheim moved to Paris in 1932 to pursue her artistic career. She quickly integrated into the Surrealist circle, forming close associations with figures such as Alberto Giacometti, Man Ray, and André Breton. Her early work gained international notoriety during the mid-1930s, establishing her as a significant voice within the avant-garde.

Oppenheim’s practice is characterized by the transformation of everyday objects into surreal, often unsettling, compositions. She frequently utilized materials like fur, metal, and found objects to challenge conventional perceptions of domesticity and the body. Her work often blurred the lines between sculpture and functional design, reflecting a deep interest in the subconscious and the poetic potential of the mundane.

Her legacy continues to be examined in the context of 20th-century fashion and art history. Recent institutional exhibitions, such as the 2026 retrospective at the Victoria and Albert Museum, highlight her enduring influence on the intersection of fine art and design, underscoring her role in shaping the aesthetic language of the Surrealist movement.