diptyque questionnaire: Dimitri Rybaltchenko

03.23.2018
Dimitri Rybaltchenko

Dimitri Rybaltchenko

The diptyque questionnaire was based on the one completed by Marcel Proust which had become popular and out of the 34 questions, the diptyque partner answering them will choose which they wish to share on memento.

Dimitri Rybaltchenko is a craftsman. More than an illustrator, designer, graphic artist, decorator and shop window designer he is primarily a craftsman of line, pattern and colour. Whether using a pencil or graphic softwear, his palette of techniques is comprehensive and his pool of references and aesthetic taste is drawn from the classical arts, sculpture, painting, architecture and opera as well as contemporary innovations. This is why he has been able to turn his hand to designing patterns for Hermes’s silk scarves as well as furniture for Fendi and even a Laguiole knife – and much more besides – as well as window displays for Hermes, Dior and  Saint Laurent. In his eyes the important thing is to infuse fantasy and visual dreams within a design. The artist disappears as the drawing becomes at one with the project in hand. This happens to such an extent that his signature is not easily identifiable, as the profusion of means and the drive to achieve the ultimate objective can result in the author becoming a shadowy figure behind the work. There is therefore a sincere humility underlying his exacting nature and in the freedom of his graphic expression. Dimitri Rybaltchenko has joined forces with diptyque to give visual life to the fragrance Fleur de Peau which celebrates diptyque’s 50th anniversary in the world of perfume. For this eau de parfum, he has created drifting fields of cerulean blue florals with his brush…

 

2. Which period in the history of mankind – a « faraway land » in Racine’s words – would you like to visit as an invisible tourist?
The Renaissance.

6. If you were a musical instrument, you’d be a…
A sensitive string instrument.

7. The creature you find the most touching
Horse.

8. Synesthesia: do you associate and any shapes, colours, scents and sounds together?
Yes: Numbers, letters / colours. They’re personal to me and do not correspond to Kandinsky’s for example.

11. To be absolutely true to yourself must you forget yourself totally?
What was the question?

12. What are you thinking about right now?
To the previous question.

13. What do you like doing so much that you lose track of time?
Drawing.

17. Which painting best captures fragrances – in your opinion?
XVIth century still life perhaps?

18. Which sculptor or sculpture would you choose for your imaginary museum?
Alexander Calder.

24. Favourite landscape?
English countryside (Kent / Sussex)

25. If life is a dream, which reality would you like to wake up in?
The other side of the mirror.

26. Do you have a work motto that is both your compass and your guiding light?
Do what you love and love what you do.

27. Does creativity rule your life?
To a great extent yes!

28. Present giving: the act of sharing ; that lovely expression « gifting… » : what do you like to give?
To be present… to give time, moments in life.

29. What would you say about your job to encourage talented youngsters to jump in your shoes?
It’s a new adventure every time; it’s not easy but pleasure comes with time. Be patient.

30. What is craftsmanship in modern times?
Being deeply human, authentic, honest, it is time, the gesture, the hand and the senses.

31. Putting economic and social status issues aside for a moment, how can exceptional, high quality creativity (know-how, finishing details, research etc.) be relevant in this day and age in your opinion?
It appeals to the senses, it makes sense and makes people happy somehow.

33. Which is your favourite diptyque fragrance (Eau or candle)?
I love the last Vetyverio  and the new Tempo.

34. Describe diptyque in  a few words?
It’s reality, amplified!
On a more serious note, the words that come to mind are: soul, stories, dreams, art, senses, fragrances.