It is amazing how competitive the luminaries of the art world can be in the quest for an art object. THE best of the best culture writers and other leading artistic figures attended the latest edition of the Manchester International Festival, the impressive showcase of new work by leading artists such as Ryan Gander whose work Discovery is to locate collectible coins hidden in the city. Over 200,000 of these shiny coins were scattered throughout the metropolis, turning us all into magpies. “It’s about the value ideal,” says Gander. “Our greatest value is really time.” Journos and curators were determined on the opening day of the festival to find as many pieces as possible on the Place de la Bourse. “I have four,” exclaimed one particularly intrepid (and zealous) art commentator who valiantly decided to distribute his extra change to the less fortunate (hooray). Other festival visitors decided to browse Gander’s other cheeky installation – a vending machine in the Selfridges store that dispenses signed stones for £10, frankly a bargain for a work of art that will last until the end of the day. end of time.
