He studied at the Mofolo Park Art Centre in Soweto Jubilee Centre.
Alphen's art focuses on the township scene and its people. His preferred medium is watercolour which he uses effectively to depict life in a township.
Exhibitions :
- Black History Museum in Hampstead (New York)
- Western Electric Gallery in New Jersey
- International Art Exposition (New York & Washington DC
- Medunsa (South Africa)