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Roger Ebert, the popular film critic, observed that the purpose of the best filmmaking was to generate empathy in the audience

https://www.npr.org/2014/07/03/328230231/a-machine-that-gene...

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As a simple-minded movie lover I agree with that sentiment regarding films. :) But cinema is just one of many artistic forms.

Do St. Peter's Basilica or Rei Kawakubo's clothes generate empathy? Should they even? Those are prominent, largely influential examples in their respective fields (architecture and design of clothes).

Sort of off-topic here, but if you're a fan of Kawakubo and haven't yet read John Waters' hilarious essay about her, you'll enjoy it: https://032c.com/role-model-john-waters-rei-kawakubo

I think they do. If I found out someone loved those good things I would care about them more than if they thought good things were worthless.

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