Quote - Is something like this art?

Well, a white ball on a black background may not be art unless, you are trying to convey some sort of special meaning (Art) that is more than just a white ball on a black background. (Illustration.)

So, if you were, then it may just be "bad art."  There's nothing wrong with that.  Art isn't always good just as every cake can't be truly delicious cake.  But, your theme of a white ball on a black background COULD still work as Art.  It just needs to be refined to have a chance of communicating the message you intend to your audience.  So, let's do that -

Is this Art?  Maybe.   If I was intending to communicate a meaning here, it would be Art.  Does it speak of a meaning that is greater than the sum of its parts?  Sure, it could.  It could give a message of "Be Different."  or "Enlightenment" as being some uniquely individual thing that can directly effect others..  There are plenty of messages that could be communicated with this piece. Singling out one particular message out of all the possibilities could also take some skill if the artist wished to stay with this particular theme.  But, communicating a broad message of individual hope, achievement or personal strength would definitely fit within this render.

But, the means I used to convey the message wasn't very different than your simple white ball on a black background, was it?  I just refined it and made the "message" more appealing to a wider audience.  That is what separates "Good" Art from "Bad" Art for most people - The skill the artist has at refining basic concepts and communicating them to an audience.