WhIsBe turns artwork into gummies
The artist launched Vandal Gummy Bears in 2024.
Courtesy of Vandal Gummy Bears
Courtesy of Vandal Gummy Bears
Courtesy of Vandal Gummy Bears
Courtesy of Vandal Gummy Bears
Contemporary artist WhIsBe, short for "What is Beauty," artist and founder of Vandal Gummy Bears, is established in the world of street art, but also in arenas such as museums, galleries, and public installations.
He attended New York's School of Visual Arts, and takes his inspiration from "Andy Warhol’s ingenious use of commercial imagery coupled with Jean-Michel Basquiat’s disruption of public space," he says. In his Vandal Gummy series, he places the confection against a prison mugshot background, gripping an identity placard in between his gelatin paws.
In 2024, the artist extended his Vandal Gummy concept into a more commercial venture, launching a line of Vandal Gummy Bear candies. After meeting at the Sweets & Snacks Expo this year, we were able to touch base with WhisBe to ask him more about the treats.
Liz Parker Kuhn: What made you want to enter the confectionery world, after having success as an artist?
WhIsBe: I work across many mediums—painting, sculpture, and more—so creating my iconic “Vandal Gummy” in its original confectionery form felt like a natural extension of my artistic practice. It was just another medium to explore and bring the work to life in a new, tangible way.
LPK: How did you transition your “Vandal Gummy” sculpture(s) into a candy?
W: I brought on a project manager with a lot of experience in the confectionery industry to help guide the process. I wanted to create a product that fixed all problems I thought were lacking in traditional gummy bears. We used my original sculpture as the foundation for the candy's shape, and then I developed flavor profiles and qualities that matched my personal taste.
LPK: How did you decide to make the gummy bears in a larger size?
W: My sculptures have always carried a “larger than life” energy, and I wanted that same feeling to translate into the candy. Making the Vandal Gummy Bears bigger than the traditional gummy was a way to reflect the boldness of the original art.
LPK: How did you decide to incorporate your Vandal Gummy art into the gummies and the packaging?
W: It wasn’t really a decision—it all goes hand in hand. The candy, the art, the packaging—it’s one cohesive expression.
LPK: I see you have a sour flavor coming out soon—when will that be out?
W: Yes! I’m really excited for the sours. They’ll be launching in Q4 of this year.
LPK: Anything else upcoming for late 2025/early 2026?
W: Always! Keep an eye out for Vandal Gummy Bears showing up in local stores, hotels, and online retailers. I also have a major installation happening at the Oculus and World Trade Center this summer.
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