Tansiyu chen

Tansiyu Chen (b. 1992) is a visual artist from Yunnan, China, now based in Oslo.

The Roof Cat (瓦猫 Wǎmāo) refers to a traditional decoration from my hometown, Yunnan—a place I have not returned to since moving to Norway. According to legend, these roof cats devour evil spirits and monsters, protecting the home from illness, disasters, and dark forces.

They are placed on rooftops, eaves, or doorposts to safeguard the household.

I carve roof cat sculptures from discarded pieces of wood I find around the city. Each one carries a memory of Oslo, transformed into a testament to the city’s life.

This project reflects the complex feelings of homesickness that many immigrants, like myself, experience—those who have left their homeland and may never return. Today, Oslo has become my new home, where I have found a strong sense of belonging.

Connection to Groruddalen

I live in Stovner and work in my new studio space at Romsås Centre.

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