Paul Cézanne's enormous influence on the future of modern art was related to his

a. friendship with Emile Zola.

b. interest in basic geometric forms.

c. stature among the impressionists.

d. study of the elements of color.

The answer is (b.) interest in basic geometric forms

French artist, Paul Cezanne was a post-impressionist painter in between late 19th century until he discover a new line of artistic style of modern art called Cubism in the early 20th century. His interest and exploration of geometric simplification and optical phenomena inspired some artists such as Picasso and Braque.