Meret Oppenheim (Der Künstler verweigert die Milch seiner Muse

Meret Oppenheim (Der Künstler verweigert die Milch seiner Muse) (1999) references the legendary Surrealist artist Meret Oppenheim — best known for her fur-covered teacup, spoon, and plate (1933) — and the German phrase "The artist refuses the milk of his muse."

Oppenheim (1913–1985) was one of the most important women artists of the 20th century, associated with the Surrealist movement. Her work challenged rationalist assumptions about art, gender, and sexuality through objects that were simultaneously familiar and strange.

Strik's reference to Oppenheim connects his practice to the Surrealist tradition of finding meaning in unexpected associations. The refusal of the muse's milk suggests a rejection of traditional sources of artistic inspiration — a theme that resonates with Strik's own practice of transforming found images into something they were not originally intended to be.

The date of this work (1999) places it in the late phase of Strik's development, by which point his signature stitching technique was fully established and his engagement with art historical references had become a mature strand in his practice.

Sources: Wikipedia - Meret Oppenheim