In a striking departure from the spotlight that often follows their father, Eminem’s youngest child, Stevie Laine, has stepped into the art world with their debut exhibition, titled “Identity in Transition.” Launched in mid-June 2025 at a modest gallery in Detroit, the event marks a significant moment for the 23-year-old, who has navigated a complex personal journey under the public eye. The exhibition, showcasing a series of paintings, mixed-media works, and digital art, explores themes of self-discovery, gender fluidity, and personal evolution—topics deeply personal to Stevie, who came out as non-binary in 2021. This artistic venture not only highlights their creative talent but also serves as a testament to their resilience, blending family legacy with individual expression.

Stevie Laine Mathers, born on April 16, 2002, to Eminem’s ex-wife Kim Scott and her former partner Eric Hartter, was legally adopted by Eminem in 2005 during a brief reconciliation with Kim. Raised alongside Eminem’s biological daughter Hailie Jade and adopted daughter Alaina, Stevie’s early life was shaped by the turbulence of their parents’ on-and-off relationship, which saw two marriages and divorces between 1999 and 2006. Eric Hartter, a tattoo artist with a history of legal troubles and addiction, passed away in 2019, leaving Stevie to grapple with questions of identity and belonging. This backdrop of instability and loss has evidently influenced the themes of “Identity in Transition,” which opened to the public on June 14, 2025, drawing a modest but enthusiastic crowd.

The exhibition features over 30 pieces, ranging from vibrant canvases to experimental digital collages. One standout work, a self-portrait titled Becoming Stevie, depicts a figure transitioning through various stages of dress and expression, symbolizing the shift from their birth name, Whitney, to Stevie Laine. Accompanied by a soundscape of ambient music and personal voice recordings, the piece reflects Stevie’s 2021 TikTok announcement where they embraced all pronouns (they/she/he) and shared their genderfluid journey. Another installation, Echoes of Absence, uses fragmented mirrors and faded photographs to explore the impact of their biological father’s death, a poignant nod to the adoption revelation that Stevie hinted at in a 2021 TikTok video, suggesting a delayed disclosure by Eminem.

Stevie’s artistic influences are diverse, drawing from street art—a nod to Detroit’s cultural roots—and contemporary digital trends, reflecting their active presence on platforms like TikTok, where they boast over 27,000 followers. The exhibition’s curator, a local Detroit artist, praised Stevie’s ability to merge personal narrative with universal themes, noting, “This isn’t just about their story; it’s about anyone finding themselves amid change.” The works are priced modestly, with proceeds partially funding a youth art program in Detroit, echoing Eminem’s own charitable efforts through the Marshall Mathers Foundation, though Stevie has emphasized this as their independent initiative.

Eminem’s response to the exhibition has been characteristically private. Known for shielding his children from media scrutiny, he has not made public statements, though Hailie Jade’s supportive Instagram like on Stevie’s announcement post suggests family backing. The rapper’s lyrics, such as those in “Temporary” from his 2024 album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), reference Stevie and their siblings, indicating a protective yet proud stance. Fans on X have speculated about his attendance, with posts like “Eminem at Stevie’s art show would be epic,” though no confirmation exists. Stevie, in a rare interview with a local outlet, avoided discussing their father directly, focusing instead on the art’s intent to “connect with others who feel out of place.”

The “Identity in Transition” theme resonates with Stevie’s public coming-out in 2021, a moment that garnered widespread support online. Their TikTok video, captioned “forever growing and changing,” showcased a transformation from “Whitney” with she/her pronouns to Stevie with all pronouns, a journey fans celebrated with comments like “So proud of you Stevie!” and “Courage in every brushstroke.” This openness contrasts with Eminem’s historically controversial stance on the LGBTQ+ community, though his adoption and support of Stevie suggest a personal evolution, unpublicized but evident in family dynamics.

Detroit’s art scene, still recovering from the city’s economic decline, has embraced the exhibition as a cultural highlight. Held at the Jam Handy Gallery, a space known for emerging artists, the event drew a mix of local supporters and curious outsiders. The gallery’s director noted a surge in attendance, attributing it to Stevie’s lineage and the exhibition’s timely relevance. Some pieces sold quickly, with buyers citing the emotional depth and accessibility of the work, though critics have questioned whether Stevie’s fame overshadows their talent—a debate common in nepotism discussions.

Stevie’s relationship with TikToker Declan Jace, whom they moved in with in December 2022, also surfaces in the exhibition. A collaborative piece, Two Paths Converging, features dual perspectives—one urban, one rural—symbolizing their long-distance bond before cohabitation. Declan’s presence at the opening, sharing supportive posts, added a personal layer to the event, with fans noting their chemistry on social media. This relationship, discussed on Hailie’s Just a Little Shady podcast, underscores Stevie’s growth into adulthood, balancing public scrutiny with private milestones.

The exhibition’s timing, coinciding with Pride Month’s aftermath, amplifies its impact. Detroit’s LGBTQ+ community has hailed it as a beacon of representation, though some argue it’s a privileged narrative given Stevie’s upbringing. Critics on X have debated, “Is this art or a celebrity stunt?” yet attendees’ emotional responses—tears and applause—suggest genuine resonance. Stevie’s volunteer work with kids and animals, mentioned in a 2023 podcast, further ties the exhibition to community service, aligning with Detroit’s ethos of resilience.

As of June 17, 2025, 3:28 PM +07, the exhibition runs through July 5, with plans for an online gallery to extend its reach. Stevie’s art offers a window into their world, distinct from Eminem’s shadow, yet rooted in the same Detroit soil. For a child once “slipping under the radar,” as Alaina noted on the podcast, this debut marks a bold step into their own identity, proving that transition, in art and life, is a journey worth celebrating.