Zatista artist Klaus Rossler gets fall. His images capture the beauty of decay – the essence of the season. It’s a melancholy time for most of us, watching nature’s spectacular color show in the best weather of the year, knowing that frigid winter temperatures are not far behind.

Gilded Leaves #11 on Zatista.com

The point is too poignant to miss: in death there is beauty. But take a closer look with Rossler’s eyes (by way of his camera) and you’ll see that fall isn’t the only time when it is illustrated for us.

"Handle the Rust" on Zatista.com

Where most of us see only decomposition and decrepitude in rust, Rossler sees the flares of color as the marks of time. We are so well accustomed to looking ahead at what’s new and advanced, it’s easy to forget the trail of detritus behind.

"Scratches" on Zatista.com

Imperfections, scratches and signs of wear have a way of blooming over the years. Much maligned when marring the surface of something new, it’s ultimately our perspective that determines the value of the scars of obsolescence.

"Crackle #4" on Zatista.com

Our man-made creations have a way of blazing before returning to the earth. Cars, buildings, and steel take a bit longer than leaves to mulch and disappear, but they will in time – and not without revealing something new.

"Trunk Deco" on Zatista.com

Forget about form and function. Rust transforms objects like fall transforms the landscape. Some call it a cancer, but artists like Rossler might disagree. Parasitic, maybe, but within the scratches, crackles, holes and rough edges, rust brings about new scenes – acting out the final drama of life for all human creations. The passage of time has the final call.