Cupid and Psyche Painting

Aerma Polani is an artistic pseudonym, derived from an anagram of the words "Amare" and "Napoli" (meaning "Loving Naples"). Born in Vico Equense in 1971, Aerma Polani has demonstrated a natural predisposition for art, particularly painting, from a young age. She has continued to cultivate this passion independently throughout her academic and professional career. She graduated in Pharmacy, specializing in Pharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, and holds a second degree in Human Nutrition Sciences. She currently serves as the Director of Hospital Pharmacies. Her deep interest in art and archaeology has led her to combine her scientific studies with a thorough exploration of classical themes and artistic experimentation. In 2011, she published a historical novel titled “The Prodigy of the Sistrum”, through Franco di Mauro Editore. The novel, which explores the customs and traditions of ancient Pompeii, was translated into English and won the Napoli in Pagina award in 2012. A theatrical play, Pompeii Sospesa, was also created based on the novel. Her deep interest in art and archaeology has led her to combine her scientific studies with a thorough exploration of classical themes and artistic experimentation. Her study of ancient art, particularly Roman art, led her to delve into the technique of fresco painting, which fascinated her. She began creating works using traditional fresco methods, incorporating lime, sand, and natural pigments. She also studied the chemistry of materials and restoration techniques, including the calicot method, which involves removing frescoes from walls and transferring them onto canvas, resulting in works that seem to have emerged from the past. The outcome of this extensive research is a unique style, where her works appear to emerge from a mysterious world of the past, powerfully arriving in the present and creating a passionate dialogue between the ancient and the modern. Her works are made with great respect for the environment, using natural materials and a slow, thoughtful process, contrasting with the fast-paced, consumable art of the contemporary world.