Elements of computer graphics

In traditional computing terms, the basic element of computer graphics is a pixel, the atomic (not divisible) unit of display. It can be "Off" (=of background color) or "On" in any other color out o the supported set of colors, but it can't be halved.

In modern computers, pixels still exist, and all the above is still true. However, with today's very high resolution screens, the dimensions of an individual pixel hardly matter any more. Therefore, the basic elements of computer graphics of a modern computer system are points, straight and arced lines, and basic geometric shapes such as ellipses, rectangles, triangles and trapezes.

To proof my point, I refer to modern 3D animation software, software which was used to create popular and (technically) awe-inspiring movies such as Monsters, Inc or Toy Story, to name just two. In these tools, shapes as complex as the entire body of a hairy monster are composed of (many) points, straight lines, and triangles.

Therefore, the basic elements of modern computer graphics are points, straight lines and triangles.