What does this mean "There is no such thing as a good painting about nothing" In art perspective

The phrase "There is no such thing as a good painting about nothing" suggests that a work of art needs to convey meaning, evoke emotion, or represent something—whether it be an object, an idea, or a feeling—to be considered impactful or valuable. In this context, "nothing" refers to the absence of subject matter or significance. From an art perspective, a few interpretations can be drawn: 1. **Meaning and Purpose**: This statement implies that art should have intent or purpose. A painting that lacks subject matter or concept may be viewed as uninspired or lacking depth, making it difficult for viewers to connect with it or derive meaning. 2. **Engagement and Emotion**: Art often seeks to engage the viewer, provoke thought, or elicit an emotional response. If a painting is perceived as depicting "nothing," it may fail to create a relationship with the audience, resulting in a lack of interest or investment in the work. 3. **Representation and Interpretation**: Art is often seen as a form of representation—whether of reality, abstraction, or the artist's inner world. A piece that claims to be about "nothing" may be critiqued for its inability to represent or interpret the complexities of life, nature, or the human experience. 4. **Value of Non-Material Concepts**: On the other hand, some contemporary art movements explore concepts of "nothingness" or abstraction in a way that invites discussion about the nature of art itself. In these cases, the challenge is to find value in that interpretation, but the phrase argues that successful art typically transcends mere presence or absence to communicate something meaningful. Overall, the statement invites a discussion on the relationship between subject matter, meaning, and value in art. It posits that even abstract or conceptual works usually have some underlying message or idea, even when they don't depicted a recognizable subject.