Ernesto Rocha is a multidisciplinary LA artist and altarista. His multidisciplinary approach to create and curate dynamic altares (altars) detail the nuanced stories of marginalized people. He utilizes traditional altar construction elements as well as contemporary floral design, textiles, audio and photography to create multidimensional installations that elicit human connection. His practice in altarismo is an engaged search in finding and making meaning of home. This is a deliberate approach to uncovering the memory loss that’s resulted from colonization, immigration, shame and rejection by the master narratives of the United States. In particular, his work utilizes religious motifs, historical and cultural artifacts that serve as ofrendas. In addition to creating the altars, his practice involves participatory elements that invite community residents to directly engage with each altar piece as a way of ritual. He graduated from UCLA with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Chicana/o Studies and is the recipient of the 2025 Culture Bearers Power Building Award for his practice in altar making.