I can understand that some art cannot be (usefully) explained; I imagine paintings, especially modern art, might end up in that category.

It's very common, however, for people to explain what's going on in a literary work such as a short story, a novel, etc. Therefore, I don't find your argument (that there's no way to ELI5 this) very convincing.

(On an unrelated note, I do like the painting you linked.)