Does art really have to have a meaning?

I find myself asking this question every time I sit down to create. Of course, every artist wants to create profound pieces that resonate with the public and evoke emotions, but does everything we make have to be like that? Sometimes I feel debilitated by the expectation of meaning that I can't even bring myself to make something lest someone ask me the intentions of the piece. Sometimes I just want to create things for the sake of creation, or because I think it would look good, and I don't think I'm alone in that. I think this expectation of purpose often debilitates us as artists in one way or another. I think we should all start letting ourselves be freer on our creative journey and encouraging ourselves to create because it brings us joy rather than because of what it may do for others.