APRIL 2025
Our Cover Art for Spring 2025 Issue is a watercolour painting of Vaube (bauhinia variegata) flower by Mizo artist Lalrammawia (Mamawia). The artwork was recently showcased at the artist’s 2nd Solo Exhibition held in November 2024 at Lianchhiari Run Art Gallery, Aizawl. It now belongs to the private collection of MeanPepperVine Editor Ruati Chhangte (Tetei).
Vaube (bauhinia variegata) and Fartuah par (Indian coral flower) are significant flowers in Mizo folklore, notably depicted in the folktale Thangsira leh Thangzaia.
For many Mizos, the herald of spring is often associated with these two flowers that bloom together on mountain slopes across the state, blazing the landscape with their fierce yet tender contrast.
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JULY 2025
Our Cover Art for Summer 2025 Issue is a watercolour painting by Mizo artist Laltanpuia, owner and proprietor of Aizawl Art Gallery & School of Fine Art. The artwork was recently showcased at the artist’s 12th Solo Exhibition held in May, 2025 at his gallery. It now belongs to the private collection of MeanPepperVine Editor Ruati Chhangte (Tetei).
The painting depicts two women walking along a shaded forest path, returning home from the fields in the evening (feh haw). Each woman carries a traditional paikawng (bamboo basket) on her back, filled with fresh green vegetables, likely harvested from their jhum field. The scene is quintessentially Mizo, with the fading sunlight filtering through the trees along the narrow, unpaved path (feh kawng), the women’s traditional attire, and the surrounding greenery.
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OCTOBER 2025
Our Cover Art for Autumn 2025 Issue is a painting by celebrated Mizo artist Tlangrokhuma (signed “T. Rokhuma 92–93”).
Tlangrokhuma is a pioneering Mizo artist known for blending realism and abstraction to express Mizo identity and cultural transformation. Educated at the State School of Fine Art in Mandalay, Myanmar, in the 1970s, he developed a distinctive style he calls “Zozeh Art,” which fuses traditional motifs with modern techniques. His works often depict village life, landscapes, and the vibrant cultural motifs of the Mizos.
Recognised nationally, Tlangrokhuma received honours such as the Pranab Barua Award and a Lalit Kala Akademi distinction. He also has the distinction of founding Mizoram’s first art gallery, the Dingdi Art Gallery, inaugurated in September 1991. Through colour, texture, and symbolism, Tlangrokhuma captures the soul of Mizoram — its people, memories, and changing rhythms.
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JANUARY 2026
Our Cover Art for Winter 2025 – 26 Issue is a painting titled ‘Red Vanda’ by Mizo artist Francis Lalramdinngheta (Ramdina).
Amidst a hazy, foggy backdrop, a majestic Red Vanda orchid (Senhri – the state flower of Mizoram) blooms, its bright crimson petals a poignant contrast to the species’ dire reality. Renowned for its striking color, the Red Vanda’s population is dwindling due to habitat destruction, pushing it towards endangerment. This painting highlights the urgent need to conserve our natural resources and live in harmony with nature.
Ramdina’s artistic focus centers on uncovering and showcasing the stories, concepts, and meanings behind his cultural heritage that are nearly lost or forgotten. Through his art, he aims to re-educate and enlighten audiences, sparking a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural legacy that surrounds us. His passion lies in breathing new life into the stories of the past, making them relevant and accessible to contemporary audiences.
With a unique blend of traditional and modern techniques, his art stands as a testament to his dedication to preserving cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation. His works reflect his creative journey, showcasing the beauty and significance of his cultural roots.