New Discoveries Challenge Perceptions of DeGrazia's Iconic 1976 Art Protest
A decades-old mystery surrounding Arizona's revered artist, Ted DeGrazia, is experiencing a captivating twist, as revealed by Bradford's Auction Gallery. The gallery has reportedly uncovered an extensive collection of original artworks from the iconic Southwestern painter. As researchers delved into this newly unearthed trove, they stumbled upon a pivotal piece of correspondence that could dramatically alter a significant episode in art history.
Historically believed to have incinerated over 100 of his paintings in 1976 as a protest against federal inheritance tax laws, DeGrazia's 'Burning of DeGrazia Paintings' represents a seminal moment in the annals of Southwestern art. However, the recently uncovered letter between a concerned art collector and the DeGrazia Gallery raises questions about the authenticity of this event. It suggests that the notorious act may not have been an outright destruction of his original pieces but could instead have been a symbolic statement.
Among the treasures discovered by Bradford's was a postcard that indicates DeGrazia was contemplating an alternative approach to ensure the preservation of his artworks rather than burning them. This postcard, sent out by the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun in May 1975—approximately a year before the infamous protest—reveals a noteworthy sentiment from DeGrazia that he had "plans to take another alternative, so that the paintings won't be burned."
Brad Denham, the owner of Bradford's Auction Gallery, emphasizes the relevance of this find: "The discovery of this postcard is significant and could reframe one of the most talked-about moments in art history. For nearly fifty years, the public believed DeGrazia set fire to his life's work in the desert. But this correspondence shows he may have planned a symbolic gesture all along—one that captured the media's attention while preserving his art."
DeGrazia’s artistry is widely recognized for its vibrant representations of Indigenous children, spiritual themes, and breathtaking desert scenery. His rebellious nature, deep-seated love for Arizona, and resistance to government intervention have all contributed to his legacy. The postcard invites art collectors and historians to revisit the narrative of the 1976 burning. Was it truly an act of destruction, or a form of performance art?
This discovery does more than shift the perception surrounding DeGrazia’s most famous protest; it reignites interest and enhances the value of all surviving works by the artist. "With this find, we're reminded that even well-documented moments in art history can surprise us," said Denham.
Bradford's upcoming Wild West Art Auction will showcase 22 original DeGrazia artworks, with the auction set to close at 9 a.m. MST on Sunday, November 9, 2025. The collection will display a variety of DeGrazia’s exceptional oil paintings, watercolors, and mixed media pieces, all reflecting his emotionally rich depictions of Native American and Southwestern life. Features will include over 570 lots of Western and Native American artwork, jewelry, and artifacts gathered from private collections across the globe, with participation from more than 34,000 registered bidders spanning 84 countries. Interested bidders can register, preview the catalog, and participate in live bidding at www.BradfordsAuction.com.
The Bradford's Auction Gallery operates under the Bradford's Group, a comprehensive estate solutions firm based in Arizona. Their network includes various services such as estate auctions, liquidation, valuation, and more. For additional details about the Bradford’s Group and their offerings, visit www.bradfordsgroup.com.
Historically believed to have incinerated over 100 of his paintings in 1976 as a protest against federal inheritance tax laws, DeGrazia's 'Burning of DeGrazia Paintings' represents a seminal moment in the annals of Southwestern art. However, the recently uncovered letter between a concerned art collector and the DeGrazia Gallery raises questions about the authenticity of this event. It suggests that the notorious act may not have been an outright destruction of his original pieces but could instead have been a symbolic statement.
Among the treasures discovered by Bradford's was a postcard that indicates DeGrazia was contemplating an alternative approach to ensure the preservation of his artworks rather than burning them. This postcard, sent out by the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun in May 1975—approximately a year before the infamous protest—reveals a noteworthy sentiment from DeGrazia that he had "plans to take another alternative, so that the paintings won't be burned."
Brad Denham, the owner of Bradford's Auction Gallery, emphasizes the relevance of this find: "The discovery of this postcard is significant and could reframe one of the most talked-about moments in art history. For nearly fifty years, the public believed DeGrazia set fire to his life's work in the desert. But this correspondence shows he may have planned a symbolic gesture all along—one that captured the media's attention while preserving his art."
DeGrazia’s artistry is widely recognized for its vibrant representations of Indigenous children, spiritual themes, and breathtaking desert scenery. His rebellious nature, deep-seated love for Arizona, and resistance to government intervention have all contributed to his legacy. The postcard invites art collectors and historians to revisit the narrative of the 1976 burning. Was it truly an act of destruction, or a form of performance art?
This discovery does more than shift the perception surrounding DeGrazia’s most famous protest; it reignites interest and enhances the value of all surviving works by the artist. "With this find, we're reminded that even well-documented moments in art history can surprise us," said Denham.
Bradford's upcoming Wild West Art Auction will showcase 22 original DeGrazia artworks, with the auction set to close at 9 a.m. MST on Sunday, November 9, 2025. The collection will display a variety of DeGrazia’s exceptional oil paintings, watercolors, and mixed media pieces, all reflecting his emotionally rich depictions of Native American and Southwestern life. Features will include over 570 lots of Western and Native American artwork, jewelry, and artifacts gathered from private collections across the globe, with participation from more than 34,000 registered bidders spanning 84 countries. Interested bidders can register, preview the catalog, and participate in live bidding at www.BradfordsAuction.com.
The Bradford's Auction Gallery operates under the Bradford's Group, a comprehensive estate solutions firm based in Arizona. Their network includes various services such as estate auctions, liquidation, valuation, and more. For additional details about the Bradford’s Group and their offerings, visit www.bradfordsgroup.com.
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