The upcoming Adelaide Biennial 2026, curated by Ellie Buttrose, engages the theme of 'yield strength', an engineering term that describes how much pressure an object can bear before being irrevocably changed. This exhibition features 24 artists whose works push the boundaries of artistic expression and the materials they utilize, highlighting sculptures that provoke thought and discussion. Works include George Egerton-Warburton's taxidermy of a roadkill cat, Kirtika Kain's intricately treated copper sheets, and Jennifer Mathews' oversized sculptures that compel viewers to navigate the gallery space in ways that mimic livestock workings.

Buttrose's vision extends beyond aesthetics; she aims to interrogate pressing political and environmental questions through the artistic lens. She challenges viewers to consider the limits of societal norms and environmental sustainability while asking pertinent questions about the consequences of stretching these boundaries. This confrontation with both artistic and political limits encourages a deeper reflection on how society responds to change and disruption.

As the exhibition aims not only to display art but also to start conversations, it seeks to engage the public in grappling with complex issues related to art's place in society and the implications of artistic expression. The Adelaide Biennial emerges as a platform for dialogue on how art can reflect and influence political discourse, pushing attendees to think critically about the frailty of societal structures and environmental concerns in contemporary Australia.