Which of the following is NOT an element of art?

The correct answer is based on the understanding that elements of art typically refer to the fundamental components or building blocks that artists use to create a piece of art. These elements include color, texture, shape, line, form, space, and value.

Color is a crucial element that affects the mood and perception of artwork, influencing how viewers feel when they look at a piece. Texture adds depth and interest by creating a surface feel, which can be visual or physical. Contrast refers to the difference between elements in a work of art; it can enhance visual interest or convey meaning by juxtaposing differing elements like light and dark or rough and smooth.

On the other hand, emotion, while immensely important in art for both the creator and the audience, is not classified as an element of art itself. Emotion represents the feeling or response that artwork may evoke in viewers and may be a consequence of how the elements of art are utilized, but it does not belong in the foundational list of artistic elements that combine to form a piece. This distinction emphasizes how elements are more concrete aspects of artwork, while emotion is more subjective and interpretative.