Press Release: Art Selection Japandi x Art by KMJ

Japandi Group, renowned for its property developments in Marbella, has expanded its latest venture, Japandi Collection—an e-commerce platform specializing in furniture and interior décor—by introducing an exciting new product category: Art Selection by Japandi. This initiative offers customers the opportunity to discover original artworks and lithographs, created through design collaborations with select artists. The first to be featured is Umeå-based artist Kalle Johansson, also known as Art by KMJ, who has produced an exclusive series for Japandi. The collection was unveiled at a grand vernissage at Facit Bar in Umeå on October 1. 

Kalle Johansson, Lisa Miskovsky and Founder of Japandi Ida Backlund. 

The Art Selection launch was marked by an elegant vernissage event at Facit Bar, where attendees were greeted warmly. The event was hosted by Tove Dahl, Secretary-General of the Japandi Foundation. Evelina Boström, Head of E-commerce at Japandi, introduced the Art Selection initiative, while live music was performed by Thomas Burström's Trio featuring Lisa Miskovsky. 

Lisa Miskovsky performed together with Thomas Burström's band.

Evelina Boström shared her thoughts on the new category, stating: "We identified a growing demand for unique art to complement our premium Marbella villas and interior design projects within Japandi Collection. Kalle Johansson, as an emerging artist, brings a style that resonates deeply with our audience. For those unable to purchase original artworks or commission custom pieces, we offer lithographs as an accessible alternative.” She continued: “This is a fantastic way to shine a spotlight on local talent and give them the chance to gain international recognition." 

Kalle Johansson reflected on his exclusive collection for Japandi: 

"The new series is a tribute to La Concha mountain in Marbella, expressed through a refined palette of natural tones. Each piece reveals a different aspect of the mountain—from sunlit textures and striking shadows to golden sun reflections and the mountain’s serene harmony.” He added, “I use a unique technique with a Japanese trowel and a sanding machine to create a distinct and recognizable texture in each artwork." 

The visitors participated in an art tour and selected three favorite artworks, which will later be made into lithographs.

“It has been an incredible experience collaborating with Japandi to create art that encapsulates the grandeur of La Concha,” said Johansson. “My goal was to allow viewers to feel as though they’re standing at the base of the mountain, absorbing its magnificence.” 

Japandi Group’s founder, Ida Backlund, closed the evening with gratitude, remarking: “It was a magical evening, surrounded by wonderful guests. Kalle is an extraordinarily gifted artist, and his collection for Japandi is truly one-of-a-kind. We also had the chance to hear from Tove Dahl about our CSR initiative, the Japandi Foundation, which supports cancer-fighting efforts. All profits from Japandi Collection in 2024 will go directly to the Foundation—a cause that is incredibly close to our hearts and fuels our purpose-driven work.”

Tove Dahl, Secretary-General of the Japandi Foundation, Evelina Boström from Japandi Group, and Kalle Johansson from KMJ Art took the stage to talk about Art Selection by Japandi.

The vernissage concluded with a dinner at Facit Bar.

Picture of the evening's appetizer at Facit Bar.

The collection Japandi x Art by KMJ consists of 8 unique artworks, all inspired by Marbella and the La Concha mountain.