Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, recently made her debut in the New York art scene with a textile exhibition at a cannabis store in the Lower East Side. The 24-year-old artist showcased her unique knit portraits that she has transitioned into as part of a new phase of her life. Emhoff, whose father is second gentleman Doug Emhoff, explained that her art grew out of her experimentation with knitting techniques and her desire to create pieces that were visually appealing rather than wearable.
The textile exhibition at the cannabis store featured fourteen of Emhoff’s pieces, which were modeled after objects, people, and pets that evoke positive emotions. The artworks were displayed alongside various marijuana accessories, and the proceeds from the sales were going directly to Emhoff. Some of the most popular and expensive pieces in the exhibit included self-portraits of Emhoff and a textile of heart-shaped Gucci hairclips, marked up significantly from their original designer prices.
The event attracted nearly 400 attendees, many of whom were knitting hobbyists or people with an interest in the art world. Emhoff’s work received positive feedback from viewers who admired her creativity and skill in using yarn to create intricate and visually appealing pieces. Despite the controversy surrounding her support for anti-Israel organizations like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, some attendees expressed their support for Emhoff’s stance and beliefs.
Emhoff credits her mother, Kerstin Emhoff, for teaching her how to knit at a young age and instilling a love for the craft. She pursued a fine arts degree with a focus on apparel and textiles at Parsons School of Design but eventually shifted her focus to modeling and fashion. Alongside her textile art, Emhoff also offered knitted clothing pieces for sale at the exhibition, ranging from drawstring pants to biker shorts.
While some attendees at the event voiced their support for Emhoff’s views on Israel and Palestine, others declined to comment or were unaware of the controversy surrounding her fundraising for Gaza. Emhoff has previously drawn attention for her advocacy for Palestinian causes and criticism of Israeli policies, despite her father being Jewish. The exhibition marked a new chapter in Emhoff’s artistic career, showcasing her talent and creativity in the fiber art world and receiving positive feedback from attendees despite the political controversy surrounding her personal beliefs.
As Emhoff continues to navigate the art world and establish herself as a textile artist, her unique approach to knitting and her bold visual style have gained recognition and praise from viewers and attendees. Whether she chooses to remain in the realm of fiber art or explore other forms of creative expression, Emhoff’s debut exhibition signifies her transition into a new phase of her artistic journey, drawing attention and interest from a diverse audience in the New York art scene.
