Met artist Gennady Zubkov, and later was introduced to his teacher Vladimir Sterligov (1904-1973), who was a theoretician and à teacher, a student of Kazimir Malevich.  Under Zubkov he studied artistic techniques of the Impressionists, Cezanne, the Cubists, and Suprematists.  He periodically consulted with Sterligov about his work.  He became familiar with Sterligov's "cupped-and-domed" system.

Participated in a group exhibition with other students of Sterligov.  Visited Elena Glebova, sister of artist Pavel Filonov.  Became familiar with Filonov's painting.  Filonov's works and his ideas had great influence on Alexander's perception of painting.

Graduated from in the State Academy of Theatrical Arts, Department of Stage Design, Leningrad, Russia.

Emigrated to the United States. He is now living in New York and for the past 12 years has worked as a restorer for Royal Athena Galleries in New York, a gallery specializing in classical antiquities.