Renowned architect, artist and poet, Pancho Guedes passed away at the age of 90 this week. His granddaughter, Georgona Guedes, remembers his life.
Grief is an intensely personal thing. We all feel it differently and we all express it in our own ways. And yet, when the person who died is Pancho Guedes — architect, philosopher, artist and creator — the grief exists not just in the personal space but is owned by the many his life touched.
Since Pancho’s death on Saturday morning — holding my aunt Kitty’s hand and looking at a portrait of his beloved wife, my grandmother Dori – we have felt the love and support of a global network of his friends, associates, ex-students and admirers. All forged a personal connection with Pancho and all feel his loss keenly. It helps. It helps to not be so isolated in our grief and to feel that so many understand what has been taken from us.
I am not an art historian or an architect. My admiration for my grandfather was not based on his incredible intellect or his astounding creativity — these were simply a facet of his existence. I loved him as a grandfather, but it’s not possible to have a grandfather like that without his brilliance the creativity intersecting with everyday life.
For full tribute by Georgina Guedes, see Mail & Guardian
