[ MIZO VERSION ]

At the outset, I am happy that my limited contributions of art through painting can be shared to the larger community through the web. Though I have not travel much to see the paintings of artists in India except my one time visit to the Art Gallery in Mumbai and Kolkata in 1990 (under the sponsorship of the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Mizoram). My visit to these art galleries challenges me in many aspects. I soon discover that most of the art of the Northeastern region do not go beyond the Northeast circle.

Mizoram, my home state is located in the North East corner of India, a sandwich between Myanmar and Bangladesh. Popular Indian artists neither visited nor know about her. The only avenue for North East artists is NEZCC where an occasional exhibition is held. There is either Art School or Art College in Mizoram. The only Art Gallery is Daifim Art Gallery which is located in Aizawl, Mizoram. It is neither the media nor the public who pays interest in art and art is often sidelined from public interest. Therefore, promotion of art is difficult.

At this initial stage of Zozehart, there are only 300 over paintings with different categories such as Culture, History, Social, Religious and Political life. It is my hope that this Zozehart website will introduce who the Mizos are and their cultural, social, political and economic life.

My sincerely thanks goes to the State School of Fine Arts in Mandalay (Myanmar) where I first learnt skills in art. I also bring greetings to the Principal (Rtd.) Mr.U Kan Nyunt for his constant word of encouragement, through which I gathered inspiration. Though we never met since I left the Art School, still I will continue to remember him and ever grateful to him for his support and encouragement.

Tlang Rokhuma
Aizawl, Mizoram,
India.