Andrés Sánchez Robaina, a distinguished Canarian poet, essayist, and translator, has passed away at the age of 72 in Tenerife. Known for his vast and unconventional literary work, he built strong ties with Barcelona and made significant contributions to global literature.
Robaina was a professor at the University of La Laguna and an influential editor. He directed literary magazines such as Literature (Barcelona, 1976) and Syntax (Tenerife, 1983-1993), shaping literary discussions in Spain.
In the 1970s, he studied Hispanic Philology at the University of Barcelona, where he earned his doctorate and developed close connections with the city’s artistic community. His scholarly work later focused on notable figures like Antoni Tàpies.
Robaina’s translation work was highly regarded. In 1982, he won the National Translation Prize for his Spanish edition of Salvador Espriu’s complete poetry. He also translated works by Joan Brossa, Josep Palau i Fabre, and Ramón Xirau, as well as international writers like Paul Valéry and William Wordsworth.
His poetry spanned five decades, with significant works such as The Rock (1984), which won the Critics’ Prize. In 2023, his poetry was compiled in In the Body of the World (1970-2022) by Galaxia Gutenberg. His extensive bibliography also includes essays on the Spanish Golden Age, contemporary art, Canarian culture, and literary workshops, along with several personal diaries.
Francisco García, the rector of the University of La Laguna, expressed his condolences, calling Robaina “one of the most versatile and internationally recognized intellectuals of the Canary Islands.” He added, “He leaves behind a generation of students who will carry on his legacy in the absence of a great master.”
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