A SIXTH former’s striking art work has been exhibited at the Saatchi gallery in London after being shortlisted for a major award.

Carmel College student Oliver O’Callaghan was one of only 20 entrants whose work was shortlisted for the 2014 Saatchi Gallery/Deutsche Bank Art Prize from 16,000 entries worldwide.

Eighteen-year-old Oliver, who is studying a post-A Level art foundation diploma at Carmel, submitted a collection of portrait drawings, entitled Pencil on Paper, last year.

His work was one of several submitted for the competition by Carmel art tutors, with all works created in the academic years 2012/13 and 2013/14 at primary, secondary and sixth form level eligible to enter the competition.

Oliver’s achievement led to his work being examined by some of the biggest names in the art world, with competition judges including author and illustrator Laura Dockrill, art advisor to Deutsche Bank and critic Alistair Hicks, Saatchi art director Rebecca Wilson and artists Bob and Roberta Smith.

Despite missing out on the top prize, Oliver’s work was exhibited along with the other shortlisted nominees for a week, and he travelled to London with family, friends and his art tutors.

He aims to study graphic design at university.

Judge Laura Dockrill said: “The standard and quality of work entered was remarkable.”