The art isn't that bad on its own, but it's a huge, huge downgrade from Kishimoto's. Makes you realize just how good of an artist he is.
Hey at least he's improving. He fixed Sasuke's design from Ch.1 to Ch.2, and everything looks more consistent and refined in Ch.3
And yes, this series is canon. It's being sold as the official continuation to Naruto. Anyone who says otherwise is just in denial and butthurt over how much the franchise is being milked (which is true).
BORUTO: Next Generations is being drawn by Ikemoto, but it is supervised and approved by Kishimoto. it's no different than say, Dragon Ball Super, and I don't see people doubting that series' canon as much as this.