Al Saroukh - "The Rocket" - is one of two similarly themed sculptures created by Salah Abdulkarim, who created about a dozen of the most graceful artworks for the City of Jeddah in the 1970s and 80s. Much of his work is derived from his interpretations of verses from the Quran and makes use of large scale scraps of iron, steel and bronze.
Among his other contributions around the city are The Mameluke Minarets and Stalks of Wheat. He was also responsible for the huge mosaic tile mound depicting the solar system which was the base for the famous Jeddah sculpture called The Cosmos. Unfortunately the mosaic artwork no longer exists, as the roundabout it was located in has been dismantled and replaced with a bridge.
The photo below gives you an idea of the sculpture in its natural setting and its close proximity to the Red Sea.
Quite striking.
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