First of all, calligraphy is a unique art in China. Chinese characters are the most essential and basic factors that constitute calligraphy works. Of course, it appears in the form of words. If we write English with a brush, it is neither fish nor fowl, and it cannot be called calligraphy. Therefore, Chinese characters in calligraphy are Chinese characters. Simple words, with words as the content of calligraphy works, are used to realize the emotional communication between the appreciator and the author.
Second, when the characters in calligraphy works act as works of art, it means that they have artistic value. A single Chinese character has artistic value, and so does the whole calligraphy work. In other words, as an art, the commodity attribute of calligraphy determines its artistic value.
To sum up, if you admit that calligraphy is an art, Chinese characters are works of art; If calligraphy is not recognized as an art, Chinese characters in calligraphy works are simplified Chinese characters with China characteristics. However, with the development of social economy, calligraphy has long lost its original simplicity and essence, but has become a bright light in the whole art market.
I don't know if I have answered this netizen's question.