Hey there,
I want to talk with you about something that’s at the heart of everything I create—the art of being unapologetic. Not just in art, but in life, too. It’s a big, bold idea that takes courage to live out. But if there’s ever been a time to embrace it, it’s now.
At Milton Wes Art, unapologetic art means creating space for individuality, diversity, and empowerment. It’s about celebrating who you are and showing up fully in a world that sometimes asks you to shrink. My work is rooted in this belief, and through every digital brushstroke, every bold color, and every abstract design, I aim to reflect the courage it takes to live authentically. Because here’s the truth: unapologetic art isn’t just art—it’s a movement, and it’s about participation.
This is your invitation to join me, not as a spectator but as someone ready to be unapologetically themselves.
A Defining Moment
Let me share a story with you—a moment that shaped me. When I was in high school, I ran for senior class president. It was a predominantly Caucasian school, and my grandmother, who I loved dearly, told me, “You know you’re not going to win.” But I looked at her and said, “Yes, I am.”
On election day, I wasn’t even paying attention during the announcement. When they said, “The senior class president of 1990 is Corey Wesley!” I literally said, “Huh?” My friend Tym laughed and said, “You won!” It still makes me chuckle. But more than that, it was a moment that taught me I could be anything I wanted to be.
I rushed home to tell my grandmother, and even though she came from a different generation, she was so proud. That win gave me a confidence I carried with me—even as life threw challenges my way. Through setbacks and struggles, I’ve always returned to that moment as a reminder that being unapologetically yourself opens doors.
The Roots of Resilience
A lot of who I am today comes from my family. My mom gave me a home where I felt rich—not because of material things, but because of love. She worked hard to create beauty and comfort, and that shaped how I see the world.
My grandfather was one of the first African-American MTA conductors, and his stories fascinated me. He’d talk about graffiti-covered trains and how the art reappeared almost immediately after the trains were cleaned. Those stories sparked my love for art—especially raw, expressive forms like graffiti, which were once dismissed as vandalism.
Their love and acceptance gave me the foundation to be myself, to dream big, and to create art that celebrates diversity, individuality, and unapologetic self-expression.
The Unapologetic Puzzle
One of my favorite pieces is called The Unapologetic Puzzle. It’s bold, abstract, and deeply symbolic. The design features a face with puzzle pieces—some broken, some missing—because that’s who we are as people. We’re complex, imperfect, and multifaceted.
I created it during a time of frustration and reflection. The 2024 election had shaken me, and I was grappling with how divided and complicated we are as a society. I realized that even in our imperfections—our broken pieces—there’s beauty. That’s the message of this piece: you are whole, even in your brokenness. You are unapologetically enough.
This piece challenges the idea that we need to fit into neat categories. We don’t. We’re not one-dimensional. And we shouldn’t apologize for the dualities and complexities that make us who we are.
Living Boldly, Rising Resiliently
Let me be real with you—being unapologetic hasn’t always been easy for me. I’ve built brands that failed, made mistakes, doubted myself, and wanted to give up more times than I can count. And there were times I did give up, at least temporarily.
But I always came back.
There’s a song I listen to called “Someday,” and it reminds me that someday, everything’s gonna be okay. That’s a message I carry with me every day, and it’s why I keep creating. Even in the tough moments, I’ve learned to embrace my resilience and to live boldly. And that’s what unapologetic art is about—not perfection, but perseverance.
An Invitation to Join the Movement
When someone brings a piece of Milton Wes Art into their home, I want them to feel something deeper. I want them to feel seen, understood, and inspired to embrace their own boldness. Owning unapologetic art isn’t just about decorating a wall—it’s about making a statement, about participating in something bigger than yourself.
Because being unapologetic isn’t just about watching from the sidelines. It’s about living boldly, showing up authentically, and investing in things that reflect your truth.
So, let me ask you this: Are you ready to stop spectating and start participating?
Support unapologetic art by owning a piece that speaks to you. Share the story of Milton Wes Art with someone who needs it. Spread the message that individuality, diversity, and empowerment matter. When you do, you’re not just supporting an artist—you’re joining a movement that’s changing the way we see the world and ourselves.
Because here’s the truth: unapologetic art is about you. It’s about your voice, your story, and your willingness to live boldly.
Let’s keep breaking boundaries together,
Corey Wesley
Artist, Creator, Boundary Breaker
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