Dr. Vicente Robalino (Ibarra, 1960) is an Ecuadorian poet, essayist, and educator known for his extensive work in literature and academia. With advanced degrees from UNAM and PUCE, he has authored several books of poetry and essays, contributing significantly to Ecuador’s literary scene. As a professor at PUCE and a guest lecturer at Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, Robalino has played a crucial role in shaping the appreciation and understanding of Latin American literature among students and peers.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Vicente Robalino was born in 1960 in Ibarra, a city known for its rich cultural heritage in the heart of Ecuador. From a young age, Robalino demonstrated a keen interest in the arts and humanities, which would later guide his academic and professional pursuits. His initial foray into higher education took him to the Universidad Central del Ecuador, where he embarked on a diverse academic journey. Here, Robalino pursued and attained degrees in Public and Social Sciences and Law, disciplines that provided him with a broad understanding of societal structures and human behavior. This interdisciplinary foundation proved crucial in shaping his literary voice and philosophical outlook.
Robalino’s passion for literature and his desire to explore the depths of human experience through writing propelled him to further his studies in the field of letters. He sought to refine his craft and expand his literary horizons by enrolling in the prestigious Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), one of Latin America’s leading institutions for higher education and research. At UNAM, Robalino was awarded a Doctorate in Letters, an achievement that underscored his dedication to literary studies and his potential as a scholar and writer.
Eager to deepen his understanding of Ecuadorian and Latin American literature, Robalino returned to Ecuador to continue his studies at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) in Quito. At PUCE, he completed both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Ecuadorian and Latin American Literature, programs that allowed him to engage closely with the literary traditions and contemporary trends of his homeland and the broader Latin American region. These academic experiences enriched Robalino’s perspective and equipped him with the analytical tools necessary to contribute meaningfully to literary scholarship and creative writing.
Literary Career
Robalino’s journey as a writer began in the vibrant cultural atmosphere of Quito, where he first engaged with the literary community through workshops and literary gatherings. His early involvement in the Talleres Literarios at the Casa de la Cultura, coordinated by the renowned Miguel Donoso Pareja, marked the inception of a prolific career that would span several decades.
Poetry
Robalino’s poetic oeuvre is marked by its versatility and depth. His first published collection, “Póngase de una vez en desacuerdo” (1990), set the tone for a body of work that would consistently delve into the complexities of human emotion and societal norms. His subsequent collections, such as “Sobre la hierba el día” (2001) and “Cuando el cuerpo se desprende del alba” (2007), further showcase his ability to weave together the personal and the universal, crafting verses that resonate with readers across diverse backgrounds. In “Un animal parecido al deseo” (2017), Robalino explores the nuanced interplay between desire and reality, illustrating his ongoing evolution as a poet and his commitment to examining the intricacies of the human condition.
Essays and Scholarly Work
Alongside his poetry, Robalino has made significant contributions to literary scholarship through his essays and critical works. His analytical prowess is evident in publications such as “La reconstrucción del héroe liberal en la Narrativa Sabatina” (2009), where he delves into the portrayal of historical figures in contemporary narrative, offering fresh perspectives on traditional literary themes. His editorship of “Crítica, memoria e imaginación de la literatura latinoamericana” (2014) and involvement in critical anthologies demonstrate his influence in shaping literary discourse and his dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of Latin American literature.
Robalino’s literary career is not only marked by his individual achievements as a poet and essayist but also by his commitment to the literary community. Through his participation in national and international congresses, and his contributions to literary journals and anthologies, he has played a crucial role in promoting Ecuadorian literature on a global stage. His work has been featured in significant compilations such as “Equinoccio: 50 poemas ecuatorianos,” highlighting his standing as a key figure in the contemporary literary landscape.
Career in Education and the University
Dr. Vicente Robalino has significantly shaped the academic landscape of Ecuador through his dedicated career in education, particularly at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) in Quito. As a principal professor in the School of Language and Literature and the coordinator of the Master’s program in Literature, Robalino has been pivotal in developing a curriculum that deeply engages with both the traditional and modern facets of Ecuadorian and Latin American literature. His work at PUCE has prepared countless students for successful careers in teaching, research, and writing, emphasizing critical analysis, creative thinking, and a nuanced understanding of literary contexts.
In addition to his contributions at PUCE, Robalino has enriched the broader academic community as a guest professor at the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, Ecuador branch. This role has enabled him to share his expertise on a wide array of literary topics, further establishing his reputation as a versatile and influential educator.
Robalino’s academic influence is also evident in his leadership of the International Congress of Literature from 2014 to 2017, which focused on the rich oral and written traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean. This event underscored his commitment to fostering international dialogue and collaboration in literary studies.
Beyond teaching and administrative duties, Robalino is an active participant in national research networks, contributing to the advancement of literary and linguistic education in Ecuador. His involvement in these networks highlights his dedication to promoting research and improving teaching standards within the field.
Selected Works
- Póngase de una vez en desacuerdo (1990)
- Sobre la hierba el día (2001)
- Cuando el cuerpo se desprende del alba (2007)
- La invención del cielo (2008)
- El animal de la Costumbre (2010)
- Para empezar el olvido (2013)
- Un animal parecido al deseo (2017)