Cracked Faces Collection: Finding Beauty in Our Flaws and Tears

A Bold Exploration of Human Imperfection and Unity Through African-American Abstract Art

The "Cracked Faces" collection began as a happy accident. I was creating digital art, experimenting with facial designs, and suddenly cracks began to form. At first, I saw them as mistakes—flaws that needed fixing. But after reflecting on my own life and talking with others about their struggles and experiences, I realized that these cracks were not mistakes. They represented something much deeper: our flaws, the imperfections that shape us, and the beauty we often overlook in them. The collection became a powerful expression of life’s imperfections and how they make us human.

Growing up, I was surrounded by an intense need for perfection. My parent was a perfectionist, and I adopted that mindset early on. Every event, every task, every interaction had to be flawless. Any mistake, no matter how small, felt like a failure. This created a cycle of self-doubt and isolation that took years to break. But life isn’t perfect. We are not perfect. As I learned to accept that reality, I started to see beauty in the very flaws I once tried to hide.

The Power of Black and White in Art

One of the key elements of my "Cracked Faces" collection is the use of black and white. These colors aren’t just stylistic choices; they carry deep symbolic meaning. The black and white faces represent different communities, each with their own stories, struggles, and hopes. The cracks in the faces are more than just individual imperfections—they reflect the divisions that exist between these communities, as well as the shared humanity that binds us together.

In some pieces, you’ll notice red tears streaming from the eyes of these faces. These tears symbolize the pain and loss experienced by communities impacted by gun violence, racism, and hate. They represent a collective mourning for the lives lost and the injustice that continues to permeate society. The red tears are a powerful reminder that we are all touched by these tragedies, whether directly or indirectly.

Tears as Symbols of Shared Grief and Hope

The tears in my collection are a recurring theme, but they vary in color and meaning. White tears flowing from black faces symbolize the grief and hope of white Americans who long for a better tomorrow, a future where racial divides are healed and we can move forward as a more unified society. These tears represent a yearning for change, for a world where hate and division no longer have a place.

In contrast, you’ll also see black tears falling from white faces. These tears are a reflection of Black communities crying out for justice, for an end to systemic oppression and inequality. But they are also tears of solidarity, a recognition that the pain felt by one community is shared by others. This interconnectedness is central to the message of my "Cracked Faces" collection: we may come from different backgrounds and face different challenges, but we are all crying for a better world.

The Importance of Cracks: Flaws That Define Us

The cracks in my art are a symbol of resilience and hope. They reflect the idea that, while we may be imperfect, those imperfections are what make us unique and beautiful. Too often, society encourages us to hide our flaws, to strive for an unattainable idea of perfection. But the truth is, it’s our imperfections—the cracks we try to conceal—that tell the most important stories about who we are.

These cracks represent the struggles we face, whether personal or collective, and the strength it takes to keep going despite them. Some people wear their cracks openly, while others hide them, but we all have them. My collection encourages viewers to embrace their cracks, to see them not as weaknesses, but as powerful reminders of their journey.

Crying for a Better Tomorrow

In my art, the tears that flow from these cracked faces are universal. Whether they are red, black, or white, they are not just the tears of one individual or community. They are a reflection of our shared grief and our shared hope for a better future. We are all crying for a world that is more just, more compassionate, and more united.

Each face in my collection represents a different aspect of this collective cry. The red tears represent the pain of gun violence and racial hatred, but they also signify the desire for change. The white tears from black faces and the black tears from white faces both speak to the interconnectedness of our struggles. We are all in this together, and the tears in my art serve as a reminder of that shared humanity.

Art as a Catalyst for Reflection and Healing

The "Cracked Faces" collection isn’t just about showcasing flaws—it’s about healing. It’s about creating a space where viewers can see themselves, their own struggles, and their own flaws, and realize that they are not alone. The cracks in my art are meant to inspire reflection and to offer a sense of hope that through embracing our imperfections, we can heal both individually and collectively.

I want my art to be a reminder that it’s okay to be imperfect. It’s okay to cry, to feel pain, and to be vulnerable. But more than that, I want my collection to inspire people to embrace those cracks, to see them as part of what makes them beautiful. The cracks are not something to be fixed or hidden. They are part of who we are, and they tell the story of our resilience.

Why This Collection Matters

When you look at a piece from my "Cracked Faces" collection, I hope you see more than just a face. I hope you see yourself—your own flaws, your own tears, your own story. I hope it serves as a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal. The goal is to embrace who we are, cracks and all, and to find beauty in our shared humanity.

In a world that often feels divided, my art is a celebration of our common struggles and our common hopes. Whether through the red tears of loss, the white tears of hope, or the black tears of solidarity, the "Cracked Faces" collection is a reminder that we are all imperfect, and that is where our true beauty lies.

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Love this artwork? This captivating image featured in the blog is available for purchase as a framed canvas print at Milton Wes Art. Bring home a stunning piece of art and elevate your space today!

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Copyright Notice: All artwork featured in this post is the intellectual property of Corey Wesley and is protected under copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this artwork is strictly prohibited. Legal action will be taken against any individuals or entities that attempt to steal or misuse my work. Please respect the creativity and effort behind every piece. Thank you for your understanding.