WhIsBe: Bridging Worlds Through Street Art

Encountering WhIsBe at Art Basel in Miami gave me a unique glimpse into the artist’s personality. Despite his significant impact on the art scene, WhIsBe displayed humility and simplicity during our conversation. His openness to discussing art at length, sharing ideas, and talking about his visions reflected a genuine passion for his craft.

What stood out to me was WhIsBe‘s approachability and kindness. At the event, he infused a sense of nostalgia and childhood into his art, capturing the audience’s attention. His sincere fondness for children, evident in his willingness to take pictures with everyone, added a pleasant layer to the overall art experience at Art Basel. WhIsBe’s presence brought joy and sweetness to the event, illuminating it with a welcoming atmosphere. The reason why I would love to tell you his story…

WhIsBe, a contemporary artist known for straddling the rebellious realm of street art and the more established domains of museums and galleries, has made a name for himself with his thought-provoking creations. The artist’s moniker, derived from “What is Beauty,” provides a deceptive entry point to the deeper cultural examinations and subversions that define his extensive body of work.

WhIsBe with his artwork at Art Basel Miami

Having graduated from New York’s School of Visual Arts, WhIsBe’s artistic techniques are mainly self-developed, drawing inspiration from the clever use of commercial imagery by Andy Warhol and the disruptive public space interventions of Jean-Michel Basquiat. In 2011, he began adorning the streets with self-sanctioned works, aiming to break free from traditional art spaces and engage a diverse audience in meaningful dialogue.

One notable aspect of WhIsBe’s approach involves subversively juxtaposing innocent images with profound messages. His iconic Vandal Gummy series, for instance, places the beloved sugary treat against a prison mugshot background, challenging viewers to reconsider their perspectives on societal institutions. This clever interplay between the nostalgic and the sinister has become a signature element of WhIsBe’s art, prompting audiences to reevaluate their critiques of prevailing issues.

Yes, those iconic Gummis

Beyond the streets, WhIsBe has collaborated with charities and corporations, including the Art Works Charity Foundation, Charity Water, Red Bull, and COACH. His works have graced prestigious events like Art Basel, Context & Art New York, and Art Southampton. A collaboration with the New Museum in New York in 2016 resulted in a large-scale installation of three-dimensional, polychrome Vandal Gummies and limited-edition prints.

In 2017, WhIsBe’s acclaim reached new heights. The MOCO Museum in Amsterdam acquired a seven-foot tall “Vandal Gummy” sculpture, cementing his global recognition. Notably, he was invited to contribute to the 69th floor of 4 World Trade Center, making a lasting impact on the Financial District. By the way, this is the project you probably heard a lot about!

WhIsBe’s ability to bridge the gap between the renegade world of street art and the mainstream art scene showcases not only his artistic skill but also his dedication to fostering meaningful conversations. Through his unassuming demeanor and impactful creations, WhIsBe continues to make a lasting impression on the art world, urging audiences to question the status quo and challenging conventional perceptions. He left a lasting impression on me! What I’ll cherish from this encounter are the memorable moments with a down-to-earth artist and… a badge he was handing out to Art Basel attendees.

Tatiana Soubbotina at Art Basel Miami