Lisja Tërshana, co-founder of Khrais–Tërshana, an art dealership and production studio based in London with operations between Tirana and Krakow, discusses her unconventional path from law to the art world. After studying law in London and passing the Solicitor Qualifying Exam, she enrolled in Central Saint Martins' MA Innovation Management, where she met co-founder Sofian Khrais. The dealership operates across three distinct art markets: Poland's confident and institutionally anchored scene, Albania's emerging infrastructure with few international commercial galleries, and London's established yet innovative market. Tërshana emphasizes the importance of curation in her work, blending market instincts with curatorial vision, and draws on her legal background to ensure fairness and trust between artists and collectors.
This interview matters because it highlights the growing role of alternative art dealerships that operate across multiple, unevenly developed art markets, bridging gaps between emerging scenes like Albania's and established hubs like London. Tërshana's transition from law to art underscores how diverse professional backgrounds can enrich the art world, bringing skills in mediation, fairness, and strategic thinking. Her focus on curation over pure market orientation challenges traditional dealership models, suggesting a more holistic approach that supports artists and builds collector relationships through storytelling and trust. This reflects broader trends in the global art market toward hybrid practices that combine commercial and curatorial roles.