In Mat Ali Mat Som’s Dendam Tak Sudah exhibition catalogue, Professor Dr. Zakaria Ali wrote in an essay titled The Sculptures of Mat Ali Mat Som:
 

“The fighter in Langkah Rahsia Nampak Berpunca (Visible Origin of Secret Steps), finds most congenial to develop the crouching style, one that lets him cling to the earth, unflinching and formidable like the roots of ancient trees, like the rocks of volcanic eruptions. Every fighter strives to have a secret set of steps his enemy least anticipates. In friendly silat exhibition or performances these steps are seldom displayed, if ever. Only when one is cornered, would they be employed; even then, most sparingly. They are dear to the fighter who has practiced long and hard to acquire them.”

Mat Ali obtained a BA (HONS) in Fine Art at Universiti Teknologi MARA in 1997. His recognition includes winning Third Prize in the Kuala Lumpur Sculpture Contest and an Honourable Mention in the Phillip Morris Malaysia Art Awards, Kuala Lumpur. Since 2009, Mat Ali has had a number of shows at prominent galleries in Malaysia. He participated in Young and New at House of Matahati in 2009 and later that year had his solo show Dendam Tak Sudah at Metro Fine Art Gallery. Other exhibitions included Artriangle at National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur in 2010, while 2012 has been Ali’s busiest, showing his works at A Meter Diameter at House of Matahati, Lineage at Art Accent Gallery, Pameran Pelukis Selangor at Galeri Shah Alam as well as at the grand opening of Rosella Gallery in Singapore.