Silat and Malay culture has influenced the sculpture works of Mat Ali Mat Som. Narratives about local warriors are incorporated into the design in order to highlight the martial arts indigenous to Nusantara. The sculpture is carved skilfully and contains traditional keris elements fused with human forms made from metal. The artist combines local traditions and legacy to form an impressive contemporary sculpture. 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 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 House of Matahati in 2009, Bintang 5 at Segaris Art Centre in 2017. Solo exhibitions include Dendam Tak Sudah at Metro Fine Art Gallery (2009), Unsung Heroes, Museum of Asian Art, University Malaya (2013), Kuda-Kuda Merdeka (2018). 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, Pameran Pelukis Selangor at Galeri Shah Alam as well as at the grand opening of Rosella Gallery in Singapore.