Jane Kellahan flying NZ flag solo

WORK ON PAPER: Jane Kellahan is looking forward to seeing how her art compares with that of people from 40 other countries. PHOTO/SUSAN TEODORO

Award-winning Martinborough artist Jane Kellahan is New Zealand's only entry in the London Art Biennale, an international exhibition at the Chelsea Old Town Hall on the Kings Rd, which opens on January 20.

The exhibition runs until January 25, when the prize winners will be announced.

The multi-award winning artist is hopeful that her painting, which focuses on conservation and the environment, will win in the "works on paper" category.

"I have a lot of confidence with this particular piece. Not only does the large size make an impact, the subject matter is extremely thought-provoking and something I feel strongly and passionately about," said Kellahan.

More than 100 artists from about 40 countries are exhibiting in five categories: paintings, works on paper, sculpture, applied arts and digital art.

"It would be great to see how my work compares with other people from other countries," she said.

"My work is universal and seeing what the others have done confirms I'm on the right track."

Three New Zealand-based buyers have already shown interest in the piece, but Kellahan is not allowed to sell it yet.

It is likely the artwork will be opened up for tender once the results of the competition are in.

The dramatic 1.5m by 1.8m painting is large enough to cover a small wall.

"My work is called The Great Escape.

"It focuses on two of the central issues facing environmentalists today - shrinking habitats for indigenous species and the risk of extinction," said Kellahan.

In 2011, the artist was New Zealand's entry into the Biennale and International Awards of Chianciano in Italy, where she came third in her category.

She was also the winner of the 2009 Cricket Art Prize in Australia and made the top five selection in 2011.