At the age of 72, the renowned poet, essayist, and translator Andrés Sánchez Robayna has passed away, leaving a significant void in the literary world. Born in Santa Brígida, Gran Canaria, in 1952, Robayna distinguished himself as a professor of Spanish literature at the University of La Laguna and as a key figure in contemporary Spanish-American poetry. His talent was recognized with awards such as the National Critics’ Prize for his book *La roca* (1984) and the National Translation Prize (1982) for his translation of the complete works of Salvador Espriu.
A Literary and Cultural Legacy
In addition to her academic work, Robayna broadened the horizons of literature through translations of authors such as William Wordsworth, Wallace Stevens, Paul Valéry, and Joan Brossa, among others. His ability to convey the art of poetry from different languages into Spanish was noted for its aesthetic fidelity and emotional depth.
Founder and editor of literary magazines such as Literradura and Syntaxis, Robayna created key platforms for critical thinking and reflection on literature and the visual arts. He also launched the Literary Translation Workshop at the University of La Laguna, fostering a space for innovation and learning for new generations of translators and poets.
A Farewell with Gratitude
The president of the University of La Laguna, Francisco García, said that Robayna’s death marks the passing of “one of the Canary Islands’ most versatile and internationally renowned intellectuals.” In his statement, he highlighted his role as a mentor, poet, and translator, describing him as a “master of philologists” whose influence will live on through his students and readers.
Despite his passing, Andrés Sánchez Robayna leaves behind an indelible legacy in Latin American literature, reminding us of the power of words to transcend borders and connect souls.
