What element suggests movement or action in a composition?

Rhythm is the element that suggests movement or action in a composition. In visual art, rhythm can be established through the repetition of shapes, colors, or lines, creating a sense of flow and a visual tempo that guides the viewer's eye throughout the artwork. It emulates the musical concept of rhythm, where a pattern or tempo gives a sense of progression or movement.

By utilizing rhythm, artists can lead the viewer through the picture plane, instilling a sense of action or dynamism that enhances the overall experience of the piece. For instance, a series of shapes that vary in size and color can create a rhythm that mimics the effect of sound waves or physical movement, inducing an energetic response.

In contrast, value pertains to the lightness or darkness of a color, which can create depth and contrast but does not inherently suggest movement. Space concerns the area around, between, and within objects, while shape refers to the outline or external form of an object; both can contribute to the perception of movement but are not primarily responsible for creating that sense of action on their own.