Alexander Buss
Biography
From 1965 to 1978: Elementary school and high school. Graduated in 1978.
From 1973 until I began my photography studies, I held various jobs to earn money and also to get to know the world outside of school. This broadened my perspective and my view of the world. Among other things, I worked as a gardener, on construction sites, in civilian service with people with disabilities, and as a taxi driver.
At the same time, I developed a passion for taking pictures. I then studied photography and worked as an assistant to Walter Sack. After graduating, I went into business for myself with Rainer Ehricke and worked with him until 2015.
Then I decided to focus exclusively on my artistic work and have participated in exhibitions in Cologne, Bonn, Prüm, Madrid, Glasgow, Paris, and Hamburg, among other places. At the same time, I work as an assistant at “The Stage Galerie” in Cologne.
Artist Statement
My photographs are often more than just what I happened to see through the camera lens at that moment. They are the result of my current perceptions combined with past impressions, things I’ve seen, and experiences I’ve had—all of which I distill into the composition of the image. It’s something we do every day in our minds.
Technically speaking, we see with our eyes what is happening right now, but what we see is constantly being categorized, interpreted, and compared to our experiences and “knowledge.” The brain creates its own unique images from this wealth of information. Our vision is a spatial and/or emotional search for the possibility of orienting ourselves and a longing to find our way.
My images are often a visual balancing act that bears a resemblance to painting. However, it must be clearly stated that all elements, structures, etc., were photographed in their original form. Using the capabilities of today’s digital technologies, I can creatively combine the various photos in my own way and give rise to my new visual worlds.
I feel able to fuse my visual impressions with my perceptions and my imagination into my own visual worlds. Of course, influences from others can always be recognized. For me, that’s part of the process and doesn’t change my own perspective. After all, we don’t start from scratch with ourselves and our work; we’re part of an ongoing process.
Instagram: @buss_alexander_cologne
Self-Portrait
Face Dream 2022
Electric Rain 2020
Faceless Beauty 2021
Warriors Afterward 2022
There she goes 2025
Kölner Dom 2022
Moments of leisure 2022
Internal Dialogue 2021Vine
Vine 2025
Vanish 2023