I don't believe that. In fact, until the turn of the 20th century, art was about beauty. The only exception was record keeping and portraits (which is a form of record keeping).

With the advent of photography, manufacturing of beautiful things, etc, artists had to find another reason to sell their goods. And so they did - for those who buy anything.

I don't derive meaning from art. I read science, observe life, etc.

I'm pretty sure that what you have just told me was sold to you by a professor or artist, and they in turn were taught that by their 'teachers' and influences going back to the turn of the 20th century.

If a professor attempted to tell me that, I would have presented him with evidence to the contrary.