Mat Ali Mat Som's art practice is deeply rooted in the tradition of silat, the Malay martial art. The artist's knowledge of Silat movements and symbolic use of the keris is central to his work. Mat Ali obtained his BFA at UiTM in 1997. His recognition includes winning Third Prize in the Kuala Lumpur Sculpture Contest and an Honourable Mention in the Philip Morris Malaysia Art Awards, Kuala Lumpur. Since 2009, Mat Ali had a number of shows at prominent galleries in Malaysia. He participated in Young and New at Hom Art Trans in 2009 and later that year had his first solo exhibition Dendam Tak Sudah at Metro Fine Art. His selected solo exhibitions include Kuda-Kuda Merdeka, Art Row, Kuala Lumpur (2018), and Unsung Heroes, Museum of Asian Art, University Malaya (2013). He has also taken part in selected group exhibitions such as Arcawan II, Hom Art Trans, Chinahouse Penang (2023), In Dialogue, ArtVoice Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (2023), and reSET, Galeri Prima, Kuala Lumpur (2022).