It’s a serious question.

(Photo by Susan L. Voisin – Washington Post)

Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang exploded a Christmas tree on the National Mall yesterday.

Never mind that all didn’t seem to go according to plan, leaving onlookers (and even the artist) a bit disappointed (see the video).

My question is this:  Why would this be considered “art” in the first place?  What’s the artistic value of exploding or setting on fire anything, let alone the principal symbol of Christmas, which has both secular as well as intensely religious meaning to millions and millions of people around the world.

I realize that the artistic, creative side of my brain isn’t as developed as I’d like … but I really, really don’t get this.  Anyone?