Next to the Connaught Hotel in London Mayfair stands a 30 feet tall Christmas tree adorned with flying doves and unusual decorations: snowmen formed of giant pills, medical instruments, scissors, syringues, scalpels…

This is the work of  controversial artist Damien Hirst, who generated some complaints from local residents who found it inappropriate and culturally insensitive and dangerous as it is on a public highway next to a church and a homeless center.

Hirst said: “The Christmas tree is a celebration of togetherness, a joyful symbol of hope and love. For the decorations, I wanted to reference some of the amazing things that give us hope in the world today.”

View the full set of pics here