If two shapes touch at edges but do not overlap, what may the viewer understand?

They are near but front-back relation is not clear

When two shapes touch only at their edges, the viewer can understand that they are close to each other or meet at a boundary. However, edge contact alone does not clearly show which shape is in front and which is behind. Overlap gives stronger depth information because one shape visibly covers part of the other. The viewer may still infer a relationship from size, position, colour, or outline, but touching by itself is limited evidence about front and back.

Option A is therefore the most accurate choice: the shapes are near, while their front-back relation is not clear. A shape is not necessarily missing, and shapes are visual forms rather than sounds. They are also not automatically three-dimensional; two-dimensional shapes can touch without creating real depth. Keeping touching and overlapping separate is important when interpreting arrangement, space, and depth in a picture.

This is a Class 9 Art Education question. Chapter: Elements of Art. Topic: Shape.