Zero-G artwork sells for £223,000

It is the first painting to have been created in a zero gravity environment.

An artwork by British artist Nasser Azam which was completed in zero gravity has sold at a New York auction for $332,500 (£223,000).

Homage to Francis Bacon: Triptych I was created as part of Azam's Life in Space project in July 2008.

The artist climbed 23,000 feet in a specially modified plane to work on the piece while weightless.

The triptych will go on display at County Hall gallery in central London from 16 January.

Azam told the BBC News website in July he had "no plans" to sell the pieces.

But the triptych sold for $75,000 (£50,000) more than its high estimate, fetching more than pieces by graffiti artist Banksy and Gilbert and George during an otherwise cautious day where almost half the works remained unsold or were withdrawn.

Azam, who until recently was chief operating officer at investment bank Merrill Lynch, told the BBC he was contemplating a follow-up expedition to Antarctica.

The 44-year-old is currently artist-in-residence at the County Hall gallery, where his work - Homage to Francis Bacon: Triptych II, also created during the flight - will also be temporarily displayed alongside his other new works.