“AI is Everywhere—But Real Talent is Still the Price of Admission”

A  portrait series by Reto Sterchi, in collaboration with Other Peoples Children & LA Models

As automation and artificial intelligence continue to reshape industries, this project highlights a fundamental truth: authenticity and artistic talent remain the ultimate currency. Through self styled portraiture, this series captures a diverse group of artists—each forging their own path and proving that human creativity is irreplaceable.

In times of uncertainty, art has always been a guiding force. This series is a celebration of that force—of raw expression, individuality, and the power of creating our way through chaos.

“The strange, maybe sacred thing about the white background is that it refuses to tell a story. Every other backdrop brings with it a hint of a place, a mood, a feeling. The white background is absence. It is silence. There’s a peace in it. Zen. 

Jesse and I toyed with the idea of doing a back to basics, character driven project together with the raw talent of the LA artist collective "Other People's Children". 
Just placing a person in that clean square and letting the rest fall away. No distractions, no elaborate lighting setups. Just a conversation about music, about Los Angeles, about what it feels like to be alive in 2025, and about donuts.
Photographing someone is pressure, like performance. Unless I don't have to think too much about the lighting and the context and solely on the subject.
It makes the white square an ideal sandbox to catch someone's character. 
Because in the end, what I have to ask myself daily is: What are you trying to say? Are you having fun?

I'm trying to say that it's important to have empathy and respect for other human beings. It’s about meeting another person at eye level, and staying there. There is nothing more compelling, nothing more worthy of attention, than the human face. The human presence. Maybe that’s how empathy grows—just by looking and feeling.
That’s what the white box is for. To have fun in a place where all the noise falls away. A space for essence. For character. For the truth of someone, distilled.
Now I'm sounding like Susan Sontag again, dreadful. Not to knock on Susan at all. Forgive me... you get the idea about the white background.” (Reto Sterchi)

Featured Talent:
TOBi (Musician) – @sincerelytobi
Kacy Hill (Musician) – @kacyhill
Lucy Ritter (Drummer, Chappell Roan) – @lucyritter
Manramp (Skate & Action Sports Influencer) – @manramp
Finn Argus (Nonbinary Actor/Musician) – @finargus
Azizi Donnelly (Actress) – @azizi__donnelly
Ari Mamnoon (Musician / NTS Radio Host) – @smilegoth
Victoria Maura (DJ) – @victoriamoura
Taynara Joy (Actress) – @taynarajoy.silvawolf
Ella Rosa (Musician / DJ) - @itsellamusic
Alexia & Maia Bosch (Musician & Painter/Designer) – @alexiaboschmusic / @maiabosch