A Shanghai-based artist will give the festive season an unusual twist by giving Bradford the gift of a Christmas tree filled with logos.

At first glance, Chen Hangfeng’s tree looks like it is adorned with traditional Chinese patterns, but on closer inspection the snowflakes are filled with the names of brands.

The Logomania Christmas tree will go on display at Cartwright Hall, where each year a Christmas tree created by a contemporary artist, is on show until January 5.

The graphic designer, who was selected for the Square Mile Project in Bradford in 2010 and held a solo exhibition at Cartwright Hall in October 2011, said the piece poses the question: “What is the true meaning of contemporary Christmas?”

He said: “Christmas is becoming a very important holiday in contemporary Chinese culture, a symbol of increasing purchasing power and growing consumer desire.

“Young people go shopping, dining and drinking and they even go out partying until the wee hours of the morning on Christmas Eve.

“Every restaurant has a Christmas menu. Every mall has a Christmas discount.

“Every bar and club has a Christmas party.

“It’s all a big advertising campaign to encourage people to spend money.”