Jenny up the Hill is a gift shop, exhibition space and meeting place for artists in the center of Ermoupoli, on the Cycladic island of Syros. We feature handmade jewelry, bags, pareo’s and other objects made by contemporary Greek designers, collected with a focus on original design, quality and fair trade. Additionally, we host exhibitions of contemporary art, bringing the work of internationally acclaimed artists to Syros. The exhibition program has a special focus on contemporary painting. As a third leg, Jenny offers a selection of books on contemporary art and a range of titles on Greek culture, plus some poetry.
As a cultural meeting place, we host events where artists give insights into their background and work practice, through lectures and discussions with the audience.
The name Jenny up the Hill paraphrases an old Greek saying “Γαïδούρα στον ανήφορο” It refers to a female donkey climbing a hill, and as such, it points to resilience, to an animal with determination, taking its time and not minding its burden or the resistance on the road.
As a brand, Jenny aims to give a different, positive meaning to the word γαïδουρα (female donkey). In Greece, a woman is usually called γαïδουρα when she is unpleasant and inconsiderate. A woman is not supposed to prioritize herself in a traditional, patriarchal society. Jenny wants to turn this idea around and embrace the resilient woman who puts herself in the center and climbs up her mountain.
Jenny up the Hill is an initiative from Vivi Papakosta. Vivi studied political science in Athens and worked for several years in real estate and property management. As she did not feel at home in a mainly profit-oriented culture, she decided to create her own brand, combining fair business practices with broader social interest and values.
Jenny’s exhibition program is curated by Jurriaan Benschop, author of the book Why Paintings Work. Jurriaan studied art history in Amsterdam and has been working since as a freelance writer and curator. He contributes to international magazines such as The Brooklyn Rail and Artforum as well as to many books made by artists and galleries.
