Rust bears witness to the passing of time. Shot in a split-second, a photograph can describe the result of a degenerative process that damages iron and takes place over years. Iron is one of the most common elements on Earth. This material makes up around 5% of the planet’s crust and has been used for millennia to make weapons and agricultural equipment. Since the industrial revolution, when it was further enhanced by various alloys, it has been used for infinite purposes. It is chosen for its mechanical characteristics and malleability. Its worst enemy is rust, which attacks iron when it is exposed to oxygen and water – both of which are fundamental elements for life itself. Unless protective measures are taken, rust can cause iron to completely disintegrate. A wide range of chemical factors and atmospheric conditions cause the rust to take on different appearances. Its uneven chromatic nuances, texture, and contrast with layers of protective paint are what make this substance so fascinating to me. In recent decades, it has also caught the imagination of designers and architects, and the trend for rust is now well established; to such an extent that it is even simulated for decorative purposes on other materials. One example can be seen in a photograph of a laminate that pairs rust with gold – both fake, of course.