David Totah Opens TOTAH Gallery and Artist Residency on Pantelleria

David Totah, founder of TOTAH gallery in Manhattan's Lower East Side, has expanded with a new exhibition space in Scauri, Pantelleria, and an upcoming artist residency on the island. The gallery, established in 2016, represents 12 artists including Kenny Scharf, David Austen, and Aleksandar Duravcevic. Totah's family has a storied history in the art world with Edward Totah Gallery in London and Albert Totah Gallery in New York. The Pantelleria project, conceived after a 2021 visit, aims to foster creativity in dialogue with the local landscape and community. The inaugural show, "Cabin Fever" by Luca Pancrazzi, attracted over 600 visitors in its first month. Totah also plans a residency, designed by architect Raffaella Bortoluzzi, who previously worked on the New York space. In an interview, Totah discussed his curatorial philosophy, emphasizing authentic connections and a selective program. He highlighted his relationships with artists Mel Bochner and Kenny Scharf, noting Bochner's role in the gallery's inaugural 2016 exhibition "Bochner-Boetti. Verba Volant Scripta Manent." Totah also commented on Italy's recent reduction of VAT on art from 22% to 5%, calling it a favorable shift for galleries and collectors. He described his dual role as collector and gallerist, stating he only sells works he would want to own himself.