Dysclaim
verb

To deny responsibility for something or to give up a legal right, claim, or interest.

Dysclaim is meant to serve as a starting point for conversation and connection. A nomadic art installation by Edrian Colina that focuses attention on the big ugly asterisk over the American Dream™. The fallout of unchecked capitalism, genocide, colonialism, white supremacy, theocracy, and preservationist thinking has demanded that we accept the unjust circumstances of widespread dysregulation, dysconnection, and dysphoria.

The hope is that through awareness, healing, self-work, and connection with oneself and others, we can begin to reclaim dignity for ourselves and the generations to follow.

Just Show Me the Work

There's an on the human experience. Let's unpack what's broken and discuss how to fix it. Together.

The Work

I'm a graphic designer by trade, so I treat IRL materials the way I treat layers in Photoshop: bold shapes, texture, type, symbols, blending modes, stacked and messed with until they feel right. They witnessed my ups and downs and soaked up the stories that came with them.

These paintings are just invitations, and the connection and conversation that comes after is the real art. The idea behind each is to showcase a beat in my own journey towards healing: (Red) Flag names the problem. Dysclaimer unpacks it. GRACE is the way through.

Inquire about the work →
(Red) Flag, 2012 — painting of the American flag with asterisks for stars
Edrian Colina (b. 1984)
(Red) Flag, 2012
Wheatpasted Captain America comics, canvas, acrylic, blood, sweat, tears
Dysclaimer, 2024 — asterisk assemblage on a white shipping pallet
Edrian Colina (b. 1984)
Dysclaimer, 2024
Shipping pallet, wheatpasted newspaper, copper wire, plastic, packing materials, yarn, live succulent, pushpins, acrylic, marker
*GRACE, 2025 — the word GRACE painted large on wheatpasted panel
Edrian Colina (b. 1984)
*GRACE, 2025
Shipping pallet, wheatpasted newspaper, acrylic, One Shot™ sign enamel, patience.
Goals, 1989 — a childhood poem in crayon, laminated
Edrian Colina (b. 1984)
Goals, 1989
Laminated paper and crayon.
DYS-

    Edrian.Co

    I was dysregulated most of my life and didn't know it. I tried therapy for years, but I wasn't ready. After hitting my head against a wall until I hit rock bottom, more times than I care to admit, something finally clicked. I broke down and started from scratch. I started doing the work from a place of humility and curiosity, and gave myself fully to the process. I redefined who I was, and how I wanted to show up in this world as a father, friend, artist, colleague, partner, son, or even stranger.

    If I can do it, anyone can. I'm not preaching or regurgitating corny self-care mantras. I'm just a real dude, with a checkered past, who managed to find some real purpose and meaning in life. I'm grateful for this, and feel an obligation to help anyone who finds themselves in a similar position.

    Peep my website →

    Let's talk
    about it.

    Come find me, and we can discuss whatever you want.

    Get in touch →
    object....... Dysclaim
    type......... nomadic interactive art installation
    medium....... paint, reclaimed material, conversation
    condition.... under construction, like everyone
    subject...... the asterisk on our existence
    statement.... we deserve better

    ✱ TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EXISTENCE (EXCERPT)