Well yes, the pieces themselves should require no explanation, as art is subjective, i often decline to put words about my photos for instance as i want the viewer to have their own response to them, and i think we can denigrate our own work sometimes by feeling we have to explain it. however i do think art education, hearing artists talk about their work and knowledge of processes helps to appreciate art in greater depth and diversity. and sometimes art is like a joke that goes over someones head until someone helps them understand it, then you get the humour.
:b