There is a difference between the medium (ads) and the targeting and distribution technology (adtech).

A great ad evokes some kind of feeling, can live with you for a long time, and even bring back memories that you cherish. Yes, I agree with you, it can be a form of art in that regard.

Adtech, however, is an intentionally invasive technology that exploits any means necessary and technologically feasible to more narrowly target potential consumers.

You can have ads without adtech. But you can't have (commercially successful) adtech without invasion of privacy.