Contemporary Art has lost its way: Has our Empire come to an End?

I recently read an article about Charles Saatchi, the world renowned modern art buyer.  He introduced us all to the horrific work of the Damien Hirst (dead animals displayed decaying in formaldahyde) and also Tracy Emin (famous for her piece of art: an old bed surrounded by dirty sheets and clothes).  These two artists belonged to a group of Young British Artists  who exhibited together in the 1990's.
Damien Hirst I recall, has made millions with his shock and awe version of art.   How anyone can buy flies eating away at a real calves skull or a canvas that is full of dead flies is beyond my comprehension.   He is right of course that he believes anyone can be an artist in today's world.  He actually failed his school art exam.  I wonder if I ever met him in person, what would I say?  Oddly I was at college with the founder of the White Cube Gallery - and it was he who introduced this movement of radical British Art.     I detest Damien Hirst's obsession with death and decay subjects in art (I therefore refuse to post any thumbnails of his work).   So he is my number one artist whose work I can actually say I hate and if this is modern art, then its a fantastic example of "the emperor with no clothes":

 It means despite what others say the truth is still the truth. Based on a story about an emperor who was fooled by tailors that told him his clothing can only be seen by certain types of individuals. One person bravely stated the truth that there are no clothes at all.

Charles Saatchi openly spoke about the fact that even he simply did not understand some of the work he purchases nowadays.   At least he was candid and described how the art shows attract dealers and the extremely wealthy who simply enjoy the social gatherings be it in the Hamptons, New York, Hong Kong Los Angeles Miami or London..and have no idea about the art nor interest in it.  They just enjoy being seen and sipping expensive champagne.  He said they would often purchase work to display the fashion, or brag about their latest piece by ....the artist in demand.  Whether they like it is not even thought about.

I long for art to return to what is beautiful in our world, to give us a window into another world or for the subject of a painting to be true, be fun to look at, or happy, or paintings that tell a story and to produce a work that gives not only of myself, but some inner " peace love and calm".    That is what I am looking for.   

Next time you go to a gallery, ask yourself if this painting truthfully "sings to your inner soul".