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. The stone for each sculptures is unique. He chose the Malay expression "Dendam Tak Sudah" to epitomize the somewhat endless struggle and burning desire to achieve one's ambitions or simply to resolve a conflict. It is to his mind, an expression which can be linked to silat, a form of martial art which is indigenous to Nusantara. The basic of silat philosophy is to forgive and no hurry to punish. The expression takes on the meaning of mystical artistic passion behind the fluid movements of this particular form of self defence.