TECNO has partnered with internationally acclaimed Brazilian-Spanish visual artist Angélica Dass to launch “100 Portraits of Becoming,” a global initiative designed to celebrate authentic human identity and encourage fair representation in the age of artificial intelligence. The project was officially launched on July 4, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, and will run for two years across Kenya, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Brazil.
A Global Initiative Celebrating Identity
The initiative aims to create a living digital archive featuring 100 portraits and personal stories from people of different backgrounds, cultures, professions, and life experiences. By combining photography, storytelling, and AI-powered imaging technology, TECNO hopes to encourage a broader conversation about identity, dignity, and representation.
Addressing AI Bias Through Authentic Storytelling
As AI continues to influence photography and digital imaging, concerns have grown over how people are represented. Existing AI imaging systems have often been criticized for favoring narrow beauty standards or inaccurately reproducing certain skin tones, especially darker complexions.
Through “100 Portraits of Becoming,” TECNO wants to show that technology should help people be seen truthfully rather than fit into predefined categories. The company believes representation goes beyond technical accuracy and that recognition, authenticity, and human understanding should remain at the center of AI-powered imaging.
TECNO General Manager Jack Guo said every image contributes to shaping public perception, making fair representation increasingly important in the AI era. According to the company, the project is intended to reduce bias, challenge stereotypes, and encourage greater understanding between people.
Building a Living Archive of Human Experiences
Participants can register through a dedicated global website before taking part in the project. Each portrait is captured in natural light without beauty filters, allowing individuals to wear clothing of their own choice and present themselves authentically.
Alongside their portraits, participants share personal stories about their life journeys, cultural influences, growth experiences, and the moments that have shaped their identities. These stories will become part of an online Living Archive, preserving diverse human experiences while encouraging discussions around identity, representation, dignity, and AI ethics. The first collection of portraits is expected to be released online in early August 2026.
Angélica Dass Brings Her Humanæ Philosophy
Angélica Dass is best known for her internationally recognized Humanæ portrait project, which challenges traditional ideas about race by presenting skin tones as a continuous spectrum rather than fixed categories. Her work encourages people to be seen as individuals instead of being defined by labels.
According to Dass, photography should give people the opportunity to communicate their own stories, as identity is open, layered, and constantly evolving. She believes that being visible is not the same as being truly understood. Her work has been featured at global institutions including UNESCO and the World Economic Forum, while her 2016 TED Talk has received more than two million views.
Technology Supporting Fairer Portrait Photography
All portraits in the project are captured using the TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra, powered by the company’s Universal Tone imaging technology. Introduced in 2023, Universal Tone uses AI-powered full-spectrum skin tone imaging and supports the accurate reproduction of 372 skin tones using one of the industry’s largest skin tone databases. The technology is designed to deliver more natural portrait photography by reducing issues such as over-brightening or underexposure across different complexions.
Kenya Marks the Beginning of a Global Journey
TECNO selected Kenya as the project’s first destination because of its young population, thriving technology ecosystem, and reputation as the “Silicon Savannah.” The first portraits feature entrepreneurs, farmers, artists, dancers, and everyday creators, highlighting that no individual should be reduced to stereotypes.
Among the first participants is Alexander Odhiambo, co-founder of Solutech Limited, who believes people should have the freedom to write their own stories rather than allow others to define their identity.
Following Kenya, the initiative will expand to the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Brazil, with the long-term goal of building a global archive that presents 100 unique journeys and demonstrates how technology can help people be understood, not just seen.
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