"Marwencol" Lives On: Mark Hogancamp's Unending Art Project

If you've seen Jeff Malmberg's 2010 documentary "Marwencol," or read Penelope Green's poignant NY Times article, "In a Tiny Universe, Room to Heal," then you already know all about Mark Hogancamp and his curious obsession.

For those of you who haven't, I'll be brief:

"Marwencol," is the name of the fictional, miniature scale town that Hogancamp created out of makeshift, plywood structures back in 2000 and populated with Barbies and action figures. After a brain-damaging incident that left the then 38 year-old in a nine-day coma, he attempted to recover his memory and motor skills by giving birth to Marwencol.

Not only did the project help to treat Hogancamp's mental and physical ailments, but it served as a safe haven with which he could cope with the deep pain and emotional trauma he had suffered during his lifetime (alcoholism, homelessness, Navy service, as well as troublesome marriages and family life).

The town took on elements of Hogancamp's own life, featuring sophisticated narratives and characters that echoed many of his personal experiences and relationships. Set against a World War II backdrop and consisting of rotating figures like ex-pilot, "Hogie,"--an embodiment of Hogancamp himself---and an impressive all-female army.

The project began to garner critical attention after photographs that Hogancamp took, documenting the town's proceedings, surfaced. Suddenly Hogancamp was approached by major art magazines and galleries, and was eventually persuaded to be part of Malmberg's documentary.

What began as a very personal means of healing, unintentionally became a publicly documented art project and thrust the reluctant Hogancamp into the limelight.

Its unclear exactly how Hogancamp truly feels about his new-found celebrity, but one thing is certain: we are thankful to have the opportunity to look into this thoughtful and incredibly detailed little world he has created.

Since the documentary's release, Marwencol is still going strong. Hogancamp continues to document the town's developments, including the characters' personal tragedies and triumphs, via photographs which he uploads to the site.

You can keep up with the going-ons of Marwencol here: http://www.marwencol.com/

You can also read Penelope Green's NY Times Article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/07/garden/07marwencol.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

"Marwencol," the documentary, is currently up on Netflix.