SHEIDA SOLEIMANI Medium of Exchange

From the venue:

In 2016, 14 OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) countries produced an estimated 44 percent of global oil production and  possessed 73 percent of the world’s “proven” oil reserves giving OPEC a major influence on global oil prices. Two-thirds of OPEC’s oil production and reserves are in its six Middle Eastern countries that surround the oil-rich Persian Gulf. The five founding members; Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, were later joined by nine other members: Qatar (1961); Indonesia (1962) Libya (1962); United Arab Emirates (1967); Algeria (1969); Nigeria (1971); Ecuador (1973) Angola (2007); and Gabon (1975). Economists often cite OPEC as a classic cartel that unites to diminish market competition. One commonality when you line-up these international titans of industry is that they are all men.

As an elite few receive untold millions, many civilians in OPEC countries struggle for civil liberties and human rights. Many oil rich countries have not used the proceeds from petroleum to diversify and strength their economies. Higher education, infrastructure, and culture are woefully underdeveloped, their citizens remain invisible, while areas around the petro companies flourish. The only way for citizens to break out, to work towards a transcendental moment, is to arm themselves with education. Sourcing from archives, media photographs, official documents, and conflicting news stories, Soleimani complies true news that can navigate language barriers and encourage citizens to demand what is rightfully theirs.