Mugshot Gummy Bear is really an art piece named The Vandal Gummy Bear by Brooklyn artist WhIsBe, short for What Is Beauty. WhisBe first started making the The Vandal Gummy in 2011 as a nostalgia piece. As the artist explains it "At first, it represented the idea of innocence lost. Some represent my take on health and nutrition to my concerns about incarcerated youth, pharmaceuticals and addiction in this country."
Some of the bears are translucent and filled with pills to represent addiction while others have a multicolor ombre effect which is popular during Pride Month. WhIsBe created a $60,000 pink one to represent Miami during Art Basel week in 2019. He also accepts commissions. No matter what color, The Vandal Gummy Bear signature look is a candy bear holding a Department of Corrections sign as if it were posing for a mug shot. It is a juxtaposition between the sentimental sugary treat and the alarming mug shot.
You can find the red Vandal Gummy Bear at 296 NE 62nd St in Miami. He is parked between two buildings. Perfect for a quick photo shoot or your social media. read more