ROMANCE
grand illusion (Things to Come: OUTLINES, 1941–1947, part iii)
co-curated by Brittany ReillyJasmine Gregory
Sophie Kovel
Fernand Léger
Brianna Perry
Louise Pershing
Paul Pfeiffer
Teak Ramos
Hélène Yamba-Guimbi
with archival material from Rockwell Manufacturing
Press Release
Thank you to exhibition contributors and partners: The Kris Rockwell Foundation and Independent Curators International (ICI), New York; Catherine Raphael; Meg Walsh Pereira; Jason McClelland; Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh; the Smithsonian Archives of American Art; the Detre Library & Archives, Heinz History Center; and the Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh; Karma International, Zurich; Paula Cooper Gallery, New York; Petrine, Paris.



Fernand Léger
Ballet mécanique, 1923–1924 (remastered 2014)
Hand-tinted 35mm black and white film; sound


Teak Ramos
The Dissoluable Girl, 2026
Vinyl coated cotton fabric
34 ⅜ x 34 ⅜ x 2 ⅜ in.


Louise Pershing
Inner Bound, c. 1950s
Oil on masonite board, original wood frame
48½ x 48½ in.
Collection of Meg Walsh Pereira


Jasmine Gregory
Bundle no. (“Whatever the next number is”), 2026
Cardboard, plastic, synthetic hair, artist palette
Various dimensions





Sophie Kovel
56 Years of Tripp Lite, 2026
cupcakes and plastic tray, replicas from 56th annual Tripp Lite company party, 2018
8 1/2 x 6 x 3 in. each


Sophie Kovel
56 Years of Tripp Lite (Power Protection & Connectivity), 2026
Tripp Lite company plastic and stainless steel thermos
7 1/2 x 3 x 3 in.



Brianna Perry
60 cents, 2025
fabric and coins on stretcher bar
6 x 9 in.


‘

Paul Pfeiffer
Desiderata, 2004
digital video loop (color, silent) and portable DVD player, 2:00 mins, looped
10 x 7 x 8 in.
Courtesy of Paula Cooper Gallery

Hélène Yamba-Guimbi
Penny Machine, 2026
acrylic sheets, acrylic beads, chrome beads, plastic beads, lucky tokens, chocolate coins, plywood, car lights, bulbs, 12v drivers
dimensions variable




Louise Pershing
Untitled, c. 1960s
aluminum and brass
15 x 8 x 5 in.
Collection of Jason McClelland


Rockwell Valve Cutaway, c. 1960–1970
14 x 11 in.
Harold Corsini Photographs, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System. Courtesy of the Corsini Estate

Rockwell Manufacturing power tools, c. 1970
5 x 4 in.
Royal Kane Photographs, Detre Library & Archives, Heinz History Center

Rockwell Manufacturing power tools, c. 1970
4 x 5 in.
Royal Kane Photographs, Detre Library & Archives, Heinz History Center