Artists don’t paint anymore?

I just finished an article in the WSJ about how many artists use assistants to complete their paintings & sculptures.  I guess this practice dates back to the days of Michelangelo, but it seems odd to me. 

Several artists interviewed for the story actually admitted that they don’t actually pick up a paint brush anymore.  One person used assistants in India and shipped works of art back & forth from the states with notes and ‘edits’.  And there was one piece of art done entirely by a group of assistants who had worked closely for an artist for years, 3 years after the artist died.  We’re not talking Pottery Barn prices either; these are million dollar pieces.  I just feel like this is somewhat of a fraud.  Isn’t art at that level, self expression?  Via an employee you pay??