In the heart of New York City, in the iconic Times Square, an unusual art installation has appeared – a giant inflatable figure of Elon Musk, 12 meters tall, with an open torso, a baseball cap, and two prominent tattoos. The action, organized by unknown activists, unfolded the day before SpaceX’s historic IPO on NASDAQ, scheduled for June 12, 2026. This event promises to be the largest initial public offering in history, with an estimated valuation of $1.8 trillion.
Tattoos as a Political Manifesto
Musk’s figure is not just a caricature; it’s laden with symbolism. On his right shoulder is a tattoo of a heart with the inscription “KETAMINE”, a reference to the billionaire’s well-known ketamine dependency, which he has spoken about in interviews. On his chest is the inscription “GROK MAKES AI CHILD PORN”, a direct accusation against his AI chatbot Grok for creating content related to child exploitation. On his back is the inscription “SPACEX OWNS GROK”, emphasizing the connection between the space company and the controversial AI.
These tattoos are not merely an artistic device. In tattoo culture, the body often becomes a canvas for social commentary, especially concerning public figures. Here, tattoos are transformed into a tool of protest, where each element carries significant meaning: from personal addiction to ethical issues in technology.
Context of SpaceX IPO
SpaceX, founded by Musk in 2002, is preparing for its IPO with a valuation of $1.8 trillion. The company is offering 555.6 million shares at $135 each, with 30% of shares available to retail investors – an unprecedented move for such a large deal. The IPO is expected to raise $75 billion, which will be used to launch 100,000 Starlink satellites and create orbital data processing centers for AI.
However, despite its immense potential, SpaceX has not yet turned a profit. In 2025, the company reported revenue of $18.67 billion but a loss of $4.94 billion. Projections for 2026 are $25 billion in revenue, but analysts warn of overvaluation risks: the current valuation is 56 times future earnings.
The Role of Retail Investors
Kathryn Brooks, Director of Research at XTB, notes that Musk’s decision to allocate 30% of shares to retail investors is a strategic move, considering their growing influence. According to her, retail traders now account for 20-30% of trading volume in developed markets, and by the end of 2026, their monthly volume will reach $37 trillion. “They are no longer a niche group – they have become a structurally important force,” says Brooks.
Why Times Square?
Times Square is not just a tourist spot. It’s a global showcase where every message reaches millions of eyes. Placing a 12-meter Musk figure here is a way to draw attention to an issue many are ignoring: the ethical risks of AI, especially in the context of Grok, which in early 2026 was accused of generating child sexual abuse material.
Tattoo Culture and Protest
In the tattoo community, the body is a canvas for self-expression, but also a field for social critique. The tattoos on Musk’s figure are not just a joke but a form of modern protest art, where each element has meaning. The ketamine tattoo hints at the billionaire’s personal vulnerability, while the accusatory inscriptions are a call for accountability for the technologies he creates.
What’s Next?
The Times Square event is just the beginning. SpaceX’s IPO will be a turning point not only for the company but for the entire AI and space technology industry. If Musk becomes the first trillionaire, his influence on technology and politics will further increase. But the criticism, as in the case of Grok, will only grow.
The inflatable Musk figure has already gone viral, but its main significance lies in making people think: who controls the technologies that are changing the world? And who is responsible for their consequences?