I remember watching a program like 20/20 featuring an art gallery specializing in modern art. One work for sale was comprised of a peg board that had two skill saw cuts in it. The work cost thousands and the gallery expected it to sell well, the price was in the tens of thousands. The gallery owner was careful to point out that the wood dust on the floor, which had been cut by the skillsaw, was OF COURSE included in the purchase price. Personally, I think a workman accidentally cut into the wall and the gallery owner pronounced it art...for sale.
Sometimes, I think the whole thing is a wealth transfer/laundering scheme. Those who decide what is ‘in’ and ‘art’ are a relatively small group who unabashedly pick the winners and losers. The average person (who can definitely decide what they feel is artistic) is made to feel like some sort of moron because they just don’t get it. Which is part of the scam which requires the masses rely on experts to tell them what to think. (If you play along, that is.)