The vibrant streets of Cape Town, South Africa, provided the backdrop for a winning photograph that’s capturing attention worldwide. Edinburgh-based photographer Robby Ogilvie has been awarded the Object category prize in the 2026 Sony World Photography Awards for his compelling image, “Colour Divides.” The photograph, taken on a Google Pixel 6, depicts a classic Ford Cortina – affectionately known as “Cortie” by locals – set against the brightly colored houses of the historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood.
Ogilvie’s winning shot isn’t just a visually striking composition; it’s a reflection on the complex social landscape of Cape Town. He described spending the first week of his South African visit in and around Kruger National Park, photographing the culture, landscapes, and wildlife, before moving on to the coastal city. The image, born from a spontaneous moment during a visit to Bo-Kaap with a South African friend, speaks to themes of connection and separation within the city, a sentiment echoed in the photograph’s title.
The Bo-Kaap neighborhood is renowned for its vividly painted homes, a tradition rooted in resistance and celebration. Originally rental properties painted white by Dutch owners, residents began painting their houses in bright colors after the abolition of slavery in the 1830s, reclaiming their Cape Malay identity and expressing their newfound freedom. This rich history is integral to understanding the significance of Ogilvie’s photograph, which captures not just the aesthetic beauty of the area but also its cultural weight.
“As soon as I saw it, I knew the image,” Ogilvie explained, referring to the moment he spotted the blue Ford Cortina. “I could witness how it would sit within the frame and how the colours, the road and the deep uninterrupted blue of the sky, would hold the composition.” The photographer’s intuitive understanding of composition and color resulted in a photograph that resonated with the judges of the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards. The competition received nearly 430,000 photographs from over 200 countries and territories.
Ogilvie’s visit to Cape Town also included exploring the V&A Waterfront, which he described as “very different – modern and upscale.” This contrast, he noted, highlighted a sense of division within the city, a theme that informed his choice of title for the winning photograph. “In a country shaped by visible and invisible lines, We see difficult to ignore how space can both connect and separate,” he stated.
The winning photograph has already garnered significant attention, with Robby Ogilvie sharing the news on Instagram. It will be displayed at the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition at Somerset House in London from April 17th to May 4th, 2026, where the Open Photographer of the Year will be announced. The image’s success underscores the power of mobile photography and its ability to capture compelling stories from around the globe.
The Sony World Photography Awards recognize excellence in photography across a range of categories, including Architecture, Creative, Landscape, Lifestyle, Motion, Street Photography, and Object. Ogilvie’s win in the Object category demonstrates the impact a single, well-composed image can have, transforming an everyday scene into a powerful statement about place, history, and social dynamics. As Timeout reports, the image is a classic Cape Town scene, frequently captured by tourists and locals alike, but Ogilvie’s perspective elevates it to something truly special.
Looking ahead, Ogilvie’s perform serves as a reminder of the stories embedded within everyday landscapes. The exhibition at Somerset House will provide a platform for his photograph to reach a wider audience, sparking conversations about the complexities of South Africa and the power of visual storytelling. What comes next for Ogilvie remains to be seen, but his recent success undoubtedly marks a significant moment in his career.
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