It's not unique to art, nor does it speak to its importance. You could easily find someone who stares at ants for hours on end. What does it prove?
I think we have to understand its meaning and impact on a societal level and determine its usefulness or uselessness[1]. Not all art is useful and not all art is useless but some are one or the other.
[1]Very broadly defined and not focused on economic value, though being a. Inner dial success is also valid.
Art really shouldn't be measured on a useful or useless scale. How would we even determine adequate metrics for that? If we look at impact we'd need to consider The Bodyguard Soundtrack as high musical art.
I think we have to understand its meaning and impact on a societal level and determine its usefulness or uselessness[1]. Not all art is useful and not all art is useless but some are one or the other.
[1]Very broadly defined and not focused on economic value, though being a. Inner dial success is also valid.