"First Latch" refers to the first time a child touches the mother's breast.

The Shklatar collective proposes to explore this concept in the context of symbolic experience and as a bridge between maturity and childhood. "First Latch" represents the initial connection from which the path of mental and emotional development begins. This act combines physical pleasure with a sense of security and love, laying the foundation for future relationships and shaping the basis of the individual's psycho-emotional state.

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Shklatar Collective
First Latch, 2024
Textiles, MDF (deep black), plastic, 3D printing, plaster, acrylic, linen, tarpaulin, rope, rubber, children's Crocs, aluminum.
Size of installation: 495x501x480 cm

Photo: Andrey Anro, 2024
Photo editor: Victoria Adamava, Andrey Anro

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Shklatar Collective
Detail of First Latch, 2024
Textiles, linen, rope, aluminum.
Size: 495x501x480 cm
Photo: Andrey Anro, 2024

The visual images of the exhibition reflect this moment, showing it not only as a physiological event but also as a non-verbal influence on the further development of the personality and its unconscious desires. This initial connection has a profound impact on the development of the Ego and Superego, forming the foundation for future relationships and mental stability.

The infant does not think of the mother's breast as part of the Other, since at this age they perceive the breast as an extension of themselves.

Similarly, the Shklatar collective proposes an interconnected approach and emphasizes the seamless blend of the individual and the collective as a unified whole.

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Shklatar Collective
First Latch, 2024
Textiles, MDF (deep black), plastic, 3D printing, plaster, acrylic, linen, tarpaulin, rope, rubber, children's Crocs, aluminum.
Size of installation: 495x501x480 cm
Photo: Andrey Anro, 2024

*.

Shklatar Collective
First Latch, 2024
Textiles, MDF (deep black), plastic, 3D printing, plaster, acrylic, linen, tarpaulin, rope, rubber, children's Crocs, aluminum.
Size of installation: 495x501x480 cm
Photo: Andrey Anro, 2024

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SHKLATAR is a collective of artists that was founded in Warsaw and Berlin with the unifying goal of reinterpreting and examining changes in the lives of Eastern European communities through artistic practice.

Debuting in 2023 with a one-day self-organized exhibition "Piasok", we aimed to explore and present our reflections and experiences regarding current social, cultural and political transformations. Shklatar finds its embodiment in the collaboration of artists who have united to create multidisciplinary projects.

Our collective consists of Alexander Adamau (1996), Andrey Anro (1987) and Vasilisa Palianina (1986)