Cristian Chironi's WhatsApp exchanges with Michela Murgia reveal intimate friendship

Artist Cristian Chironi published a series of WhatsApp messages exchanged with the late Italian writer Michela Murgia, offering a glimpse into their close, playful friendship. The messages, spanning from January 2021 to June 2022, include jokes about whiskey in Bologna, Chironi's Peaky Blinders persona, and plans to kiss. In February 2022, Chironi informed Murgia of his father's death from cancer, and she offered comfort. In June 2022, Chironi mentioned his solo show at Morton Street Partners in New York. Chironi also recounts being in Dualchi, Sardinia, researching a Roman bridge for a project with Charles Ray called "Ponte per Pecore e Pastori," when he learned from Marcello Fois that Murgia was ill. Chironi reflects on Murgia as a chosen sister and on their bond with Fois. He notes he never read her books, but valued their direct connection. Chironi now lives in Mexico City.