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OF VISUAL ARTIST JOÃO DELFIM
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Overflowing with Queer eroticism, Sky’s historical drama Mary & George, starring Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine is a delightful ride that brings to light a small — though fascinating — episode of British medieval History. Based on the written works of Benjamin Woolley, the miniseries explores the complex relationship between King James VI and I of England and George Villiers, later to be remembered as the 1st Duke of Buckingham and, for some, the figure behind the King’s inglorious demise.
George starts as an unconfident, naïve second son to Mary Villiers, living in an abusive household. After his father’s death at the hands of his mother, George is sent to France for further education. There, the young man is taught how to behave like a royal by local aristocrats and quickly thrives in his debut queer sexual experiences — enter exquisite French actor Khalil Ben Gharbia in the enchanting role of George’s tutor Jean.
The series of prints An Allure So Foreign Yet So Central, named after a slightly modified quote from American gay novelist Edmund White, is a deep dive into George’s first encounter with fluid sexuality. As through the flickering light of a candle, these five orange-tainted designs portray both characters, Galitzine’s George and Gharbia’s Jean, as they flirt with each other on the eve of their first night together.
George starts as an unconfident, naïve second son to Mary Villiers, living in an abusive household. After his father’s death at the hands of his mother, George is sent to France for further education. There, the young man is taught how to behave like a royal by local aristocrats and quickly thrives in his debut queer sexual experiences — enter exquisite French actor Khalil Ben Gharbia in the enchanting role of George’s tutor Jean.
The series of prints An Allure So Foreign Yet So Central, named after a slightly modified quote from American gay novelist Edmund White, is a deep dive into George’s first encounter with fluid sexuality. As through the flickering light of a candle, these five orange-tainted designs portray both characters, Galitzine’s George and Gharbia’s Jean, as they flirt with each other on the eve of their first night together.
Throughout the series’ seven one-hour instalments, multiple same-sex relationships are portrayed. From passionate sex to interest-motivated sensual encounters, Mary & George is a remarkable showcase of fluid sexuality in contemporary media. George’s relationship with the King is complex, to say the least, for it can be as manipulative as it is tender and touching at times. George’s Greek-like figure and body are not the only displays of sensuality, making for a rather innovative representation of desire in a television series.
On top of being bold, stylish, and irreverent, Sky’s historical drama Mary & George is a worthwhile display of broad sexuality both as a tool to power and a manifestation of desire or love. To put it as George so bluntly does, this ensemble will not fail to keep you « aroused » all the way through, and it guarantees a refreshing, thrilling ride for Queer fans of the lustful period-drama genre.
On top of being bold, stylish, and irreverent, Sky’s historical drama Mary & George is a worthwhile display of broad sexuality both as a tool to power and a manifestation of desire or love. To put it as George so bluntly does, this ensemble will not fail to keep you « aroused » all the way through, and it guarantees a refreshing, thrilling ride for Queer fans of the lustful period-drama genre.
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ALL ARTWORKS ARE ORIGINAL CREATIONS.
© 2025 JOÃO DELFIM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
ALL ARTWORKS ARE ORIGINAL CREATIONS.
© 2025 JOÃO DELFIM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.