In 2008, we are pleased to announce the second LIPA (Lumière International Photography Award), the first biennial Korean international photography award established by Gallery Lumière, recognized as a systematic and professional gallery in Asia within the international field of photography. With a mission to develop the international photography market and the global art market, Gallery Lumière selects the award-winning artist amongst many distinguished and creative young artists who passionately engage in their work. The selection undergoes a strict process and through co-working with sponsor companies, we support the winner in the form of a combined provision of scholarship and fellowship that meets global financial criteria. LIPA (Lumière International Photography Award) aims to promote the award-winning artist to successfully enter the international art scene and to establish oneself as a globally recognized artist in the field of international photography. The Second LIPA(Lumière International Photography Award) presented in 2008 has been made possible with sponsorship from Seoul Metropolitan Office and Chosun Press, Asiana Airlines, Kumho Tire, Kumho Asiana, IWL Partners and Doosan Infracore, and their cooperation with Gallery Lumière. The 2008 2nd LIPA is awarded to Ari Kakkinen (1966-), currently working actively in Finland. In 2006, Ari Kakkinen started his Doctoral thesis in The School of Visual Culture in The University of Art and Design in Helsinki, Finland, Arja Elovirta, Chief Editor of art magazine Taide has provided a strong reference on the artist. Ari Kakkinen is an exceptional artist who has graduated from The Helsinki School of Art and Design.