Piper and Tolstoy

A passage from Adrian Piper’s chapter displays similarities to Tolstoy’s theory of art as communication. Piper says, “the aesthetic value of an art object should include recognition of its necessarily functional character as a catalyst of human interaction; as an instrument for achieving human plans; and as a communicator of human ideas, intelligence, and choices” (Wartenberg 269). She further claims we should “think instead much more about whether the object is sparking in us the kind of response we think it ought to” (Wartenberg 269). The first quote clearly states that art functions as a means of communication. The second elaborates on the first, and describes how the audience should observe art carefully to ensure that we are receiving the correct message which the artist is trying to communicate.
Leo Tolstoy considered art to be a means of communicating a specific emotion, and placed all responsibility for successful communication on the artist. Piper differs in this regard, and urges the audience make sure they are receiving the correct message.
Can Piper’s theory therefore be subjected to the same criticism placed on Tolstoy?