I didn't mean to imply anything shallow about Banksy - I think it's very clever how he chooses to get his message across (grabbed my attention). 

Many people are aware of the top artists in history that worked with traditional types of paint, but pioneers/masters of art working in other mediums are worth searching out. 

We can learn ways to see art, but ultimately it depends on a person's preferences & life experience that determines a work of art's worth. 

Nomatter what the medium, I think most good artists manage to convey they are inspired by a timeless idea (or feeling) that most humans can relate to & might be life-changing.  They present a unique perspective (or focus) by using a combination of their acquired skills, understanding of a medium, color (or absence of) & form. 

Ideally, I want to experience art that doesn't completely reveal itself upon first glance, but catches my attention and reveals more as I look closer (or maybe differently over time).  I love art that is somewhat interactive, changes with movement, or by viewing angle - but most of all I want to be drawn in & suprised.  I like art I think I will enjoy living with FOREVER, but... 

There's also amazing 'temporary' art, performance based OR made with materials that have a short life span - marvelous when related to our own lifespan (which can seem fleeting), an appreciation of 'the present'.  These artists have a special place in my heart.  I imagine it must be hard being inspired to carefully create something you want to share, but it will quickly vanish, decay/be devoured, or destroyed by a weather change. 

So, what about MUSIC? 

Britannica says it's art & the word arose from ancient Greece, relating to the 'art of the Muse'.  I think music is MORE than auditory performance art, it's creation can convey an emotional message, and be possibly life-changing & timeless - enjoyed by multiple generations! 

I feel revilatized by this thread!  

It's been nice to reflect upon why I like art... and glass - it's magnificent ability to hold, redirect, and transform light (yeah, I was once into glass like I am music 😁).  As kids we learn about optics when we see a rainbow, look thru a kaleidoscope, microscope, telescope - maybe have to wear glasses.  Plasma 'globes' as a  novelty in the 80's may have sparked some glass artists (Creating With The Fourth State Of Matter: Plasma Glass Artists In The Studio Video), but I know the development of crystal clear/UV bond adhesives was truly profound for many others - opening up a whole new world for assembled glass art.  Dichroic coatings (developed by NASA) gave a boost to optical glass art, too. 

History of Studio Glass Video with Introduction by Ferdinand Hampson.  ...I remember slumping glass in my pottery kiln before I was aware of what others were doing with glass. 🤣  A lot of what is talked about nearer the end of this video can easily relate to music and musicians, too!  The 1st time I stepped into the 'Habitat Gallery' (80's) it completely elevated my view of glass & contemporary art.  I had learned about Harvey Littleton, but at that time I didn't realize he had basically started the whole 'Studio Glass Movement' rolling with a workshop in 1969 (participants went on to experiment & teach others)!  I was glad to find the Habitat Gallery is still involved with some great artists' works that can be seen in their auction & show preview videos.

It's been fun going over some work of the Great Old Masters, some of my favorite Contemporary Artists and taking a peak at newer Artists' works. 

I caught up on more recent art by Hajime Sorayama (collected several books on his work back in the 80's).  I normally think of airbrush & ink, so it's insightful to see him painting with a brush - he's done sculpture with non-traditional medium, too.  He is a master of light!  Hyperrealistic rendering of polished metal, he gives the illusion of land/ski where there is none.  

Found a new (to me) artist I like that works in clay in Hong Kong - Johnson Tsang.  He's created powerful surrealism, with the feeling of a 3D photograph that has caught motion/thought/feeling and froze it in time.  I like his 'Open Mind' series best, but he's done other amazing work showing frozen movement of liquid - with figures, or figurative expression emerging/transitioning.  He's also created creature models for films - Alien vs, Predator, Superman & The Avengers. 

@ABitRusty -

I've always been interested in the history of photography and as an art medium (the use of 'light'!).  As much as I love swimming in color, I'm captivated by what is communicated with black & white film (Ansel Adams). 

I think you are mostly interested in American artists, but have you seen any work by Alexey Titarenko?  His use of long exposures is interesting. 

I love that an artist can reveal beauty, imperfection, or horror.  The creative process itself fascinates me - because it's different for everyone - relies on personal discovery, personal skills and available material.  

Nick Knight - A New Dimension - he went from 2D photography to 3D.

...makes me want to take a fresh look at playing/making music!