THE CROTCH GRAB EXPLAINED

THE EVOLUTION OF THE CROTCH GRAB
From Calvin Klein to Classical Sculpture to the Streets of Brighton

Long before his name appeared in museum catalogues, Endless was already rewriting the rulebook of what street art could be. A London-based artist with a background in graphic design and a deep obsession with branding, celebrity, and consumer culture, Endless cut his teeth pasting subversive artworks in alleyways and on advertising boards across the UK. His work collides street iconography with high-art references—placing luxury logos next to religious figures, and remixing pop culture into modern altarpieces. Today, his work sits not just on city walls, but in major institutional collections, including the the Uffizi Gallery. And now, in 2025, one of his most iconic works—the Crotch Grab—is being inducted into the MoCo Museum London, solidifying its place in contemporary art history.

One of Endless’ most recognisable and notorious images? The Crotch Grab.

Do you remember the infamous Marky Mark Calvin Klein ad that had everyone talking? You know the one—hands suggestively grabbing at jeans, causing widespread blushing and outrage. Well, guess what: that very same "crotch grab" pose has found its way into the hallowed halls of the Uffizi Gallery—yes, that Uffizi, home to Botticelli masterpieces and some of the world's most celebrated Renaissance art.

First, let's unpack exactly why the "crotch grab" caught so much attention. Mark Wahlberg's provocative stance wasn't merely scandalous—it was art historically familiar. This bold gesture mirrors the iconic Venus Pudica pose, a classic motif in Western art. Originating from Ancient Greece in the 4th century BCE, most famously captured by Praxiteles' groundbreaking statue, Aphrodite of Knidos (c. 350 BCE), the pose depicts the nude goddess Aphrodite modestly covering herself. It's a fascinating paradox: nudity tempered by modesty, eroticism balanced with chastity. By covering herself, Venus actually draws more attention—making us more intrigued, more curious, more captivated.

So how exactly does Mark Wahlberg's Calvin Klein ad relate to ancient statues of goddesses? Consider this: by grabbing his crotch, Mark simultaneously conceals and accentuates, using the same psychological tension of concealment and allure that the Venus Pudica masters. This isn't just provocative advertising; it's the male equivalent of Venus' timeless tease—concealment sparking curiosity, leaving room for imagination.

Enter Endless, the street artist who connected these cultural dots brilliantly. Recognising the visual and conceptual power of this pose, Endless started incorporating Wahlberg's iconic imagery into his works. He cleverly blended these images with religious iconography, sparking conversations about our modern-day worship of brands and celebrities—new-age gods in the temple of consumerism. Just as ancient Greece crafted statues to honour Aphrodite, we now build shrines in glossy magazine ads to luxury brands like Calvin Klein.

Endless' provocative pieces quickly gained notoriety across London's streets. The concept resonated deeply, catching the attention of legendary art duo Gilbert & George. Intrigued by Endless' commentary, they collaborated, culminating in an iconic image photographed by Noel Shelley, with Gilbert & George posing as living sculptures and Endless himself holding a magazine featuring his Crotch Grab artwork over his face—a subtle nod to anonymity in street art culture. Just as the Venus Pudica and Wahlberg's pose use concealment to intrigue, Endless covering his face similarly sparks curiosity, leaving viewers eager to uncover the mystery behind the artist.

Now, in a major milestone, Endless’ Crotch Grab is being acquired by the MoCo Museum London—a museum dedicated to the icons and disrupters of contemporary art—cementing its status as one of the most culturally relevant images of the 21st century.

Which brings us to Brighton, 2025. This summer, Endless brings the Crotch Grab full circle—onto the streets once again, in a full-scale takeover of the city. Murals, paste-ups, flyposters and installations are set to pop up across Brighton, turning the seaside town into a living gallery. But why Brighton? Because it’s bold. It’s camp. It’s a city that celebrates the subversive and the sensual. With its long-standing reputation as a hub for queerness, counterculture, and unapologetic self-expression—not to mention Pride just around the corner—Brighton offers the perfect backdrop for this provocative symbol. The Crotch Grab isn’t just art—it’s a cultural flashpoint, a challenge, a wink. And this summer, Endless isn’t just exhibiting in Brighton—he’s claiming it.