Strand Gallery

July 12 - October 5, 2025

ArtWalk Reception
Saturday, July 12, 2025
6 – 9 PM
Artist talk at 6:30 PM

GAC’s exhibitions are supported in part by a grant from Texas Commission on the Arts.

Blya Krouba & Cat Martinez
Roots in Frame

Roots in Frame is an immersive installation by Blya Krouba and Cat Martinez that explores the West African origins of shotgun houses, highlighting the profound historical ties, architectural lineage, and cultural continuity of the African diaspora. Using photographs on organza fabric, Blya creates a narrative of lived experiences of African and African American family life framed by a life-sized steel structure by Martinez that references the quintessential Southern vernacular style of architecture. The project collocates both voluntary and forced migration, showcasing how these histories shape community and identity. By blending traditional and modern elements Roots in Frame celebrates the resilience and unity of African and African American cultures, creating a dialogue that explores cultural identity and family life across continents.

This project is made possible with the support from The Idea Fund. The Idea Fund is a re-granting program administered by DiverseWorks, Aurora Picture Show, and Project Row Houses and funded by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

Byla Krouba is a mixed media artist, born in Côte d’Ivoire and raised in the United States. She received her BA from the University of Pittsburgh and MFA in Photography and Digital Media from the University of Houston. Her work asks questions about social justices through equitable representations of Black women. Through a deep connection to her faith, Krouba’s practice extends into seeking deeper truths and declares hope in detaching identity from trauma. Krouba’s work has been featured in recent exhibitions at Blaffer Art Museum, Alvin Community College, and Elgin Street Studios, as well as the PAGE Imagine America Conference (New Orleans) and BEAK Visions Photo Therapeutic Experience (Houston).
@_iambeak

Cat Martinez is a Houston-based visual artist whose work incorporates mixed media sculpture, metals, fibers, and mold making to craft evocative works that traverse the intricate landscapes of the African diaspora. She received her BFA and MFA in sculpture from the University of Houston. Her dedication to collaborative and impactful storytelling extends to her participation in the We Here Black Women's Arts Collective and Road Trip Collective. Martinez’ work has been featured in recent exhibitions at Lanecia Rouse Tinsley Gallery, the University Museum at Texas Southern University, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Project Row Houses, DiverseWorks, the Station Museum, Lawndale Art Center, and Blaffer Art Museum.
sculptedbycat.my.canva.site