The Art of Being Earnest
For Ernesto, growing up in El Centro, California, offered the rare opportunity to live between two worlds. As the child of Mexican heritage, he was immersed in the richness of his culture while benefiting from the resources and safety of life in America. Nestled near the Mexico-US border, El Centro provided Ernesto with a profound understanding of the struggles and resilience of immigrants seeking a better life. Surrounded by this duality, he grew to cherish his roots while recognizing the systemic challenges faced by his community.
Now based in Los Angeles, Ernesto channels his bicultural perspective into his work as a politically driven art activist. The city’s vibrant tapestry of cultures has deepened his understanding of the immigrant experience, as people from around the globe bring their unique identities to LA’s streets. Ernesto’s art and activism echo his belief in self-determination and solidarity, values he recently carried to Arizona’s pro-immigration marches. “Borders are the cause of a lot of issues on this continent,” he says—a sentiment that drives his commitment to amplifying the voices of the marginalized. Though his next chapter will take him away from LA, Ernesto remains steadfast in his dedication to the cause.