Former frontman and songwriter for the band Journey, Robert Fleischman, is hosting an art exhibition featuring his original work beginning on Thursday, May 5 at the Acquisitions of Fine Art gallery in Hinsdale.
“I seriously was inspired and started doing collage after seeing the Sgt. Pepper's album cover. And thought, I can do that. So, I'd go to used bookstores and buy old picture books and started that way, cutting out images. For years, I did it that way until I discovered art apps on my phone where I was able to pluck an image out of a picture and place it on a background. After I'm done with a piece, I email it to my printer in Chicago and he prints them out for me for you to see,” says Fleischman.
Fleischman has long been creative, first crafting collages at the age of 13. He joined Journey in early 1977 when the band’s management decided it needed a lead singer, though he stayed with the band less than a year before Steve Perry replaced him, according to a 2018 Louder Sound interview with Fleischman.
He went on to help Journey create their 1978 album Infinity and is credited with co-writing “Wheel in the Sky” and “Anytime”.Though a short-lived stint with Journey, Fleischman’s love for music and art never wavered. He has created music for TV shows That 70s Show and Spongebob Squarepants, along with playing with bands Vinnie Vincent, Channel, and his current band The Sky.
“... To me art is my silent music. It’s like flying solo. Very tranquil and rewarding for me… collage is like creative chaos… like putting a square peg in a round hole… but it fits,” says Fleischman on his website.
The exhibition opening will be held at 10 E. Hinsdale Ave., Hinsdale on Thursday, May 5 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., admission to the gallery is free and all of Fleischman’s work on display will be available for purchase.
