Gena Shvartsman Cristiani is a fifth generation circus artist from Russia, the child of two accomplished performers. She began training at the age of eight in the art of juggling. In the span of a few short years, her phenomenal talent brought her to United States. By the age of thirteen, she was a star attraction for Ringling Bros, Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Her skills and experience growing, Gena traveled the world performing in lavish variety and circus shows, as well as competing in elite circus competitions. She was awarded a silver medal at the prestigious International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo, and a silver medal at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in Paris, France. In addition, she took the coveted gold medal at the World Juggling Federation Championships in Las Vegas.
As is common with so many gifted people, Gena’s interest in art stretched into many other disciplines and medias. Sketching, drawing and painting became her second love. After years of drawing out designs for costumes and sketching artists she admired, she began making commissioned pieces of art and design. Drawing inspiration from the colorful world of circus and variété, her costumes, drawings, and paintings exude an effervescent and fantasy quality that captures the magic of her subjects, many of whom are talented artists in their own right.. Now in full command of her artistic vision, Gena creates drawings, paintings, and costumes for customers literally around the globe. She has designed and created costume wardrobes for touring stage shows, and her paintings have been sold to galleries and private collectors. Gena is very excited to have joined the omnium team and be apart of this incredible production!