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OF VISUAL ARTIST JOÃO DELFIM
PRINTMAKING / ART DIRECTION / VIDEO ART
As the widely beloved television phenomenon Stranger Things took its curtain call at the end of 2025, I was finally able to catch up with the entire series and give the Hawkins crew a chance. In this show that is appreciated for its nostalgia and its acclaimed performances, I was especially touched by the character arc of Will Byers — the young boy who started it all.
Will’s experience resonated with me from the outset, and the path he follows amid the five seasons feels like one of the most poignant gay coming-of-age stories I’ve seen in mainstream TV. I perceived it as a detailed reflection of many moments from my own journey. At first, I was able to see myself in the curious but timid child, in love with fantasy and art. Then, there was the teenager who felt left behind and had a platonic crush on his straight best friend. At last, I saw myself again in the young man who knows who he is and has replaced fear with pride.
I’ve created a publication titled He Likes It Bold — in a revamped reference to one of Will’s most famous quotes — as a direct homage to his trajectory. My collection of poems for Will Byers was self-published in a very limited edition of handcrafted artist books, featuring 8 original poems and several original layouts created from Will’s most iconic scenes in the show.
Though Stranger Things is far from perfect, I believe the true magic behind the show lies in its depiction of the complexity of growing up in a world that builds more walls than bridges. Against all adversity, Will Byers manages to build a bridge of his own during the gang’s last adventure, making for a hopeful and relevant homage to the Queer community amongst such a beloved universe.
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ALL ARTWORKS ARE ORIGINAL CREATIONS.
© 2026 JOÃO DELFIM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
ALL ARTWORKS ARE ORIGINAL CREATIONS.
© 2026 JOÃO DELFIM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.