#Kenya #Nairobi #TECNO #Angélica Dass #100 Portraits

TECNO and Angélica Dass: '100 Portraits of Becoming'

In a groundbreaking collaboration, TECNO and Brazilian visual artist Angélica Dass have launched an ambitious initiative titled "100 Portraits of Becoming." This two-year project aims to explore human identity and representation in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI). Starting in Nairobi, Kenya, the initiative will capture the stories and journeys of individuals from varied backgrounds across five countries, ultimately aiming to create a profound "Living Archive" that reflects the true tapestry of humanity.

As technology continues to shape perceptions of individuals, the question arises on how it can genuinely represent the complexity of human existence. TECNO firmly believes that technology should present people authentically, serving as a vehicle for deeper understanding rather than mere visual aesthetics.

Angélica Dass, renowned for her work in portraiture that challenges conventional racial identities, shares this vision. According to Dass, the project is about providing individuals a platform to convey their personal narratives on their own terms, utilizing portraiture as a means of communication beyond surface-level assumptions.

The Project Vision

The "100 Portraits of Becoming" initiative aims to photograph 100 individuals from diverse backgrounds, starting in Kenya. This endeavor is not merely about capturing images; it emphasizes the importance of storytelling, as each participant will share their unique experiences and growth journeys. The portraits will be taken in natural light, with participants dressed in attire of their choice, further enhancing the project's authenticity.

Each portrait, along with the accompanying narrative, will be featured on a dedicated website, creating a living digital archive. This repository will become a space where people from all walks of life can be understood, facilitating ongoing cultural conversations about identity and dignity as AI evolves.

A New Standard of Representation

The portraits for this initiative will be captured using TECNO's CAMON 50 Ultra, equipped with the innovative Universal Tone Technology. This technological advancement seeks to address the biases prevalent in mainstream AI imaging models. Historically, such models often fail to accurately represent individuals with diverse skin tones, leading to constant misrepresentation in mobile photography. TECNO's Universal Tone Technology, launched in 2023, strives to include a broader spectrum of skin tones in imaging, ensuring that every subject is portrayed with dignity and authenticity.

Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO, states that this project goes beyond technical accuracy in representation. It presents an opportunity to recognize individuals as they truly are, allowing their narratives to unfold without the constraints of labels or stereotypes.

The Journey Through Five Countries

Following the inaugural event in Nairobi, the initiative will travel to the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Brazil over the two years, continuing to emphasize individual stories while building a comprehensive archive of identities. The first portraits and stories are set to go live in early August, signifying the start of the campaign's full rollout.

In Kenya, the project begins with a diverse array of participants, from farmers to entrepreneurs, illustrating that people should define themselves through their narratives rather than be constrained by preconceived notions. One participant, Alexander Odhiambo, emphasizes that he no longer waits for others to tell his story; he is creating it himself.

Ultimately, "100 Portraits of Becoming" is not just an art project; it is a transformative initiative poised to redefine how humanity is seen and understood, one portrait at a time. As the initiative unfolds across various cultures, it invites viewers to engage in a large-scale conversation about self-perception, recognition, and the complex layers of human identity within the intricate fabric of our global community.

This project demonstrates a pivotal step towards more inclusive representation. Through the lens of TECNO's Universal Tone Technology and Dass's artistic vision, the collaborators hope to inspire a future where technology does not just depict individuals visually, but enables deeper understanding and appreciation of the unique stories everyone holds.