The cartel aims to empty out identifications, whether with the +1 or with the peers.

The proposed logic includes, from the beginning to its dissolution, a work of mourning once the time to conclude arises, after a period of one to two years. At the end of this period, individual productions are presented.

A work made of solitude, questions, and gaps.

This does not mean that the large group, the institution, can be dispensed with. For the cartel to exist, it is inscribed within the larger group, as a necessary and guidable form of organization.

In the Seminar RSI (lecture of April 15, 1975), Lacan asks what constitutes the cartel: “A cartel, for what purpose?”

He continues: the cartel begins with three people plus one, making four, and I set a maximum of five, making six.

As with the Borromean ring, there are three. “What I mean is that if you are three, that already makes four,” “…hence my expression plus-one.” If one person is removed, the group comes undone.

Not coincidentally, the conception of the cartel is essentially topological.

On that occasion, Lacan adds that at least three trivial knots are needed to constitute the Borromean ring, and when linked, what becomes visible are nothing but swirling gaps. “If there is no gap, I do not quite see what we have to do as analysts.”

The +1 would be the hinge that calls the group to work. Its function is to eliminate the idealization of complete knowledge.

The +1 is an external element; it ex-sists. It occupies the role of the agent who destitutes knowledge — the missing one.

What is transmitted is an unfinished product, a remainder, residue of work from each person’s desire, fruit of each person’s elaboration, which gives life to the cartel so it can be constituted as such.

We must deal with these gaps, each in their own way.

Transmission is about a lack.

Important informations: Subscriptions to form a cartel can happen at any time with the IIP, and the Institute is open to receive new work proposals. The IIP will organize the propositions according to subjects. It will be the cartel member’s responsibility to organize work regarding the frequency of encounters, virtual and/or in-person, and the platform/place of encounter. At the end of 1 year cartels can be finalized or extended for one more year. At the closure of the cartel a written production is expected, individual or made by its members collectively, which will be shared in an event organized and disclosed by the IIP.