explain how a piece that does not have a clear subject matter might qualify as art.

A piece that does not have a clear subject matter can qualify as art primarily through abstract or non-objective art forms. Such art does not aim to represent realistic depictions or identifiable objects but instead uses elements like color, shape, form, texture, and composition to create a visual experience. It qualifies as art if it successfully conveys emotions, ideas, or concepts that evoke responses in the viewer, stimulating interpretation, creativity, and emotional engagement. Abstract art, for example, is recognized as art because it expresses emotion and ideas through visual elements rather than recognizable subjects. The skill and craftsmanship in how the artist arranges these elements also contribute to its artistic value. Pieces like Jackson Pollock's drip paintings and Mark Rothko's color field works are examples where no clear subject exists, yet they are deeply evocative and meaningful as art. The absence of a clear subject allows for open interpretation, challenging traditional views and expanding the definition of art beyond representation into pure expression and experience. Thus, art without a clear subject matter qualifies by its ability to evoke thoughts and emotions, demonstrate artistic skill, and push creative boundaries, making it a valid form of artistic expression.