For this month’s Art Works we heard from Notts based artist Nakufo, whose work Obelisk of Connectivity will be part of Light Night 2026.
Obelisk of Connectivity is a sculptural body of work centred on connection between people, place and self. The work is driven by a desire to create spaces that invite people to come together, to pause, and to experience something shared.
Acting as a positive beacon, similar to a lighthouse, the piece offers a sense of grounding and hope. In a world that increasingly feels fragmented, the work responds to a growing need for light, togetherness, and reminders of what it means to be human and alive.
The creative process behind the work is fluid and instinctive, with timescales varying widely from piece to piece. Some works emerge in intense bursts of momentum, completed over long, uninterrupted hours in a single night. Personal works often remain in progress for years, evolving gradually alongside changes in experience, skill and perspective.
I’m originally from Blidworth, a small village in Nottinghamshire, but my journey has extended far beyond that setting. Time spent living in Hong Kong, Paris and New York has played a significant role in shaping both my worldview and creative practice.
After years of movement and travel, returning to Nottingham offered a sense of grounding
After years of movement and travel, returning to Nottingham offered a sense of grounding. The city’s strong creative energy provides both a sense of belonging and ongoing inspiration.
With no formal art training, my practice has been shaped through experience rather than institution. Learning has come through experimentation, seeking out opportunities, meeting people and carving out independent pathways within the art world. Resourcefulness, curiosity and connection sit at the centre of this approach, reflecting the themes explored within the work itself.
Nature remains the strongest source of inspiration – some people call it the world’s greatest artist. From dramatic sunrises to the quiet strength of ancient oak trees with their vast, reaching branches, the natural world offers constant lessons in scale, patience and connection.
My artistic practice began in early childhood, with art being the only subject that truly resonated with me at school. Early experiments included coffee paintings, which have since evolved into three-dimensional works, driven by a desire to create immersive, physical experiences rather than static objects.
At its core, my work is an exploration of connection to each other, nature, and ourselves – continuing to explore that feels more vital than ever.
The Obelisk of Connectivity will be situated in The Lace Market during Light Night – which takes place throughout the city centre between Fri 6 - Sat 7 February.
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