I think this is an excellent explanation of how to look at modern art, especially the work that lands in museums. The thing is that to me, this kind of art is academic art. Meaning, you often have to have education and understanding of historic art, and context to appreciate it. This is a great kind of art, but it does generally limit the audience. This doesn't make it any less amazing, but it does make it less accessible.

I think truly epic works of art often transcend their audiences to reach the general population. It's like any other form of creativity. For example, "Grapes of Wrath" by Steinbeck is a brilliant literary work that is generally broader read than another brilliant work by James Joyce "Ulysses". There is a good reason for this; Ulysses is much less accessible to the general reader. Additionallly, epic works transcend the time and place they were created to resonate with people regardless of the era in which they are viewed.

That said, I think the world needs both kinds of art, both the academic and the accessible. There's a time and place for both.