Jesus Rafael Soto was a Venezuelan artist known for his contributions to the Kinetic and Op Art movements. He was born on June 5, 1923, in Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela, and passed away on January 14, 2005, in Paris, France.

Soto began his artistic career as a painter in the late 1940s. During this period, he explored geometric abstraction and experimented with optical illusions. In the 1950s, he became interested in the concept of movement in art, which led him to develop his signature style of Kinetic Art.

Soto's artworks were characterized by their simplicity and precision. He often used monochromatic color schemes, particularly black and white, to enhance the visual impact of his pieces. His installations and sculptures, known as Penetrables, allowed viewers to physically interact with the artwork by walking through or touching the suspended elements, further emphasizing the notion of movement and sensory experience.

Throughout his career, Soto gained international recognition and exhibited his works in prestigious art institutions and galleries around the world. He participated in several editions of the Venice Biennale and received numerous awards for his contributions to contemporary art.

Today, Soto's artworks can be found in major museum collections globally, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. His innovative approach to art and his exploration of perception and movement continue to inspire and influence contemporary artists.