There are far worse addictions than painting, but the artistic expression has been the one to rule Rob O'Flanagan.

For the past 25 years, the former Sudburian has been a bit of a slave to the canvas.

“It gets to be a fairly obsessive behaviour,” he said with a laugh. “I've gotten into it, and I can't get out.”

O'Flanagan has a small collection of abstract pieces currently on display at Fromagerie Elgin. The show officially opens Sept. 6, with spoken word performances from 6-9 p.m. Abstract art has been the style of art O'Flanagan has been most attracted to since he picked up the craft in university.

“There's a purity to abstract (art) I've always loved,” he said. “It's just more open to interpretation and contemplation.”

Alternate Routes: New Paintings is O'Flanagan's first solo show in the city in quite some time. He said he is happy to be back, strictly as an artist, to showcase what he's been working on. Now that he works away from the city, he feels he is able to better connect to the community with his art.

The paintings are reflective of his wandering nature, love of meandering through new cities and getting lost along the way.

“They're a bit map-like — not intentionally, but they come across that way to me,” he said. “These paintings are like abstract snapshots of travel and the idea of travel.”

O'Flanagan's work will be displayed at the Fromagerie throughout September. Stop by to catch a first-hand viewing of it.