Final answer:
Raster (bitmap) images consist of pixels and can lose clarity when resized, while vector images utilize geometric shapes defined by math, allowing them to be scaled infinitely without degradation.
Step-by-step explanation:
While bitmap images use pixels to represent images, vector images use geometric shapes or objects. Since geometric shapes are defined by mathematical equations, they provide a unique advantage: they can be rapidly and easily resized, colored, textured, and manipulated without losing quality. This is in contrast to bitmap images, which can become blurry or pixelated when resized. The concept of geometric and organic shapes applies to both traditional art and digital image creation, the latter making extensive use of vector graphics.
Shapes, as an element of art and design, are integral to image creation. Geometric shapes like squares, triangles, and circles, are often created in art to bring structure and predictability. These shapes are the foundation of vector graphics, frequently used in digital art, CAD designs, and animation, which can be scaled infinitely without distortion.
Artists such as Piet Mondrian have exploited the use of geometric shapes in their artwork, providing clear examples of the stark differences between geometric and organic forms within art. Moreover, the creation of digital images, particularly in vector format, owes much to the underlying principles of geometry and algorithms, exemplified through fractal art and the generation of photo-realistic works used in movies and games.