Which term describes the visual reaction between a mark and the surface it's created on?

The term that best describes the visual reaction between a mark and the surface on which it is created is known as the figure/ground relationship. This concept refers to the way an object (the figure) is perceived in relation to its surrounding space (the ground). It highlights how the interaction between a mark or shape and the surface it exists on can create a sense of depth, focus, and spatial dynamics.

In art, the figure/ground relationship plays a critical role in guiding the viewer's perception. Artists often manipulate this relationship to create visual interest or to emphasize certain elements within a composition. By understanding this interaction, viewers can appreciate how artists use marks and surfaces to create a more immersive experience.

In contrast, the other terms provided focus on different aspects of visual perception. Color interaction deals with how colors influence one another when placed side by side. Space dynamics concerns the way space is represented in art, affecting the perception of depth and perspective. Textural contrast refers to the differences in surface quality that can evoke varying responses from viewers, but it does not specifically address the relationship between a mark and its surface in the same way that the figure/ground relationship does.