The artist studied at Frunze Polytechnic Institute and Städelschule (International Academy of Fine Arts) in Frankfurt/Main. He then graduated as a Master class student of Prof. Jörg Immendorff at Kunstakademie (Arts Academy) Düsseldorf, where he still lives. Despite the evident influence of Jörg Immendorff, Alexander Besel developed his own visual imagery at an early stage which he has maintained to the present day. Besel is committed to figurative painting that pushes narrative elements to new levels. His strategic perspective mimics reality in a daring, imaginative way. Distortions and irritations that arise from the unusual perspectives often have a manipulative effect on the observer. The affinity between figuration, narration and emotion is always apparent and has again and again a surprising and flabbergasting effect on us.