Damien Hirst - need I say more?

[JoolsToo]

£70 million for his 'art' work at yesterday's auction

Emperor's new clothes anyone?

I find it quite nauseating that people spend vast amounts of money on a stuffed shark. Look around the world and see where you can spend it to better use please.

how irksome for the real spot 'artists' that they don't receive millions for their efforts!

Wendy - you're making me fume!

How many of you that are enraged have actually seen any damien Hirst work in real life?

A lot of people just look at pictures in a newspaper and daily mail type rubbishing of it and make a decision based on that, which is wrong.

I wouldn't waste my cash going to an exhibition - all I need do is look at the field next door, plenty of cows in there, prettier too.

Piero Manzoni sold his own shit, apparantly.

Sorry Jools.

(It's mt's fault, she posted the wiki link in the first place, go fume at her )

Hmmm I like him.

I have seen quite a bit of his work and I do like it, just the focus on money not art, I don't like. I really like the diamond encrusted skull but is it art or jewellery? Also, rather shady tale of how he pushed its value - haven't looked up the details but didn't he pay half the money himself when it went to auction?

I've seen lots of it. I also spent 4 (wasted!) years at art school and it's not that I don't like it - or appreciate there is some merit in the ideas. It's the arrogance, coupled with his distance from the actual work that leaves me cold.

Having said that, you can technically be an amazing artist but if it doesn't strike a chord with the buying public then it's not worth a bean.

In the midst of all the financial turmoil, the FT, of all people, has found time to write a feature in their fashion section on the dilemma facing DH's wife on what to wear for his auction