New York-born and LA-based artist WhIsBe, whose moniker stands for “What Is Beautiful,” has fixed his unique lens of social commentary on the issues of gun violence in the U.S. Particularly as it relates to the youth and mass school shootings.
The artist describes his first LA solo exhibition, “Innocence Lost,” as “a show utilizing the juxtaposition of how we used to see things as kids versus the reality of these things as adults. It’s not my responsibility to tell people what to think, more so to challenge what they believe and create a catalyst for their own true narrative.”
Known for his “Vandal Gummy” sculptures, which picture playful silhouettes that are often accompanied by powerful, provocative, or thought-provoking text — WhIsBe has found himself in a unique position to keep difficult-to-face conversations and subjects in the public eye.
A few of the most notable works found in the exhibition include children’s lunch boxes fixed to the walls as first aid kits or “Safety Defense Boxes” that include color-blocked revolvers, pepper spray canisters, tasers and brass knuckles. Fixed to the very same wall is a row of bulletproof vests fashioned out of materials ranging from Turtle Ninja prints to Designer monogram patterns — perhaps nodding to the commonality of tactical wear both in schools and ingrained in modern-day fashion.
“It doesn’t have to be this way,” shared BRADY, a non-profit organization WhIsBe is known to support, that advocates against gun violence and for gun control. It added that “Our nation’s combat veterans and our nation’s children should not be able to share war stories, and yet the devastating reality is that civilians, including children, have been gunned down over and over in communities across the country with weapons designed for war zones.”
Other striking pieces included in the exhibition include a work that shares the title of the exhibition, “Innocence Lost,” spelled out letter by letter using children’s alphabet play blocks, further driving home the message and devastation gun violence is imposing on the youth of today.
Turn the corner and visitors find what at first seems to be a playful claw machine filled with acrylic balls, taking a closer look however, they’ll discover painted assault rifles including an AK-47, an M4 and an array of different handguns, all painted in vibrant youthful colors.
While many of the works paint a sobering picture of present times, the exhibition was not without fun and interactive elements that highlight the passion of modern youth. This included a block party-themed opening day, complete with live music, “Vandal Gummy” tattoos by artists Vince and Niko and a chalkboard-style wall that guests could sign their names to or inscribe a message on.
In an adjoining room, the exhibition features an extended body of works from WhIsBe, including various mixed-media works that incorporate the use of neon signs and additional “Vandal Gummy” sculptures that showcase his most recent work using acrylic, neon and aluminum.
With the exhibition set to close on August 5, this Friday and Saturday will be the last days to experience “Innocence Lost” in person.
Elsewhere, Daniel Arsham and Galerie Perrotin will celebrate 20 years in dual exhibition.
Band of Vices
5351 W Adams Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90016
