#USA #Hong Kong #TECNO #Angélica Dass #Portraits

TECNO and Angélica Dass Present '100 Portraits of Becoming'

In a remarkable collaboration between TECNO and renowned visual artist Angélica Dass, the '100 Portraits of Becoming' project has been launched. This ambitious portrait series aims to explore the kaleidoscope of human identity and essence through the lens of 100 diverse individuals from five different nations: Kenya, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Brazil.

A Two-Year Global Journey

Starting in Kenya, where the first twenty portraits are now unveiled, this two-year endeavor is set to illuminate the unique perspectives of people navigating their identities in various cultural contexts. TECNO is deeply committed to the concept of inclusive imaging — an initiative grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to be represented authentically, irrespective of their skin tone. With AI shaping the future of photography, the project challenges traditional notions of representation while highlighting the richness of individuality behind every image.

Significant Individual Stories

At the heart of this initiative are the personal narratives of the participants, each experiencing their journey of growth and change. Alex Mutua Muli, for instance, chose to stay in his home community instead of seeking opportunities in urban centers. He founded Goshen Farm Exporters, connecting local farmers with larger markets and instilling hope in his community. Another participant, Alexander Odhiambo, turned adversity into opportunity by building a software company with friends, illustrating how entrepreneurship can reshape futures.

The stories don’t just reflect success but also the daily battles faced – such as Jelimo Cheboi, who co-founded GirlSkate Nairobi to create a space for women in skateboarding, ultimately challenging gender norms in her community.

Building a Collective Identity

These narratives collectively portray a shared instinct among participants: the refusal to accept narrow definitions imposed by societal norms. Their experiences reveal diverse interpretations of what it means to forge a path in life, reinforcing that success is not monolithic. It's a celebration of individuality, where each person not only honors their unique journey but also contributes to a rich tapestry of human experience.

Beyond Kenya: Expanding Horizons

While Kenya sets the stage for the project, the subsequent chapters will journey to the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Brazil, each adding their unique cultural flavor to the project. In the Philippines, upcoming portraits will delve into the lives of solo mothers and individuals transcending societal labels. This chapter, dubbed 'Beyond Many Labels', explores the profound narratives behind terms often oversimplified.

Angélica Dass emphasizes that "Kenya was just the beginning." The project invites audiences to engage with the stories of individuals beyond inherited definitions, inviting them to reflect on broader questions of identity, societal expectations, and personal aspirations. By juxtaposing diverse accounts from different nations, TECNO and Dass aspire to foster a global dialogue about how we wish to be perceived and remembered.

A Vision for Truthful Representation

For TECNO, this initiative marks a pivotal step towards championing inclusive imaging technology. Jack Guo, TECNO’s General Manager, remarked, “Truthful representation is fundamental to genuine human understanding.” This sentiment echoes throughout the project as it challenges the notion of imposing a singular narrative on complex lives. Instead of merely documenting human existence through photographs, '100 Portraits of Becoming' aspires to serve as a growing archive of human potential and desire,

Conclusion

By the end of this extraordinary two-year exploration, '100 Portraits of Becoming' will have woven a rich narrative tapestry reflecting humanity's intricate and multifaceted nature. Rather than reducing individuals to standardized categories, the project ultimately seeks to display one hundred distinct perspectives on what it means to be human in a modern, technologically influenced world. This evolving gallery thus promises a profound contribution to the ongoing dialogue about diversity, identity, and understanding in our global society.