Matthew was born in Darwin. He began painting on canvas in the 1980’s at Jilamara Art Centre. His father Paddy Freddy Puruntatameri encouraged Matthew to make art and keep the traditions alive. He began to focus on carvings and painting in 1988. Matthew is completed a diploma in art and craft.

Both he and his younger brother Patrick have exhibited extensively throughout Australia with work held in International collections, and have an outstanding reputation as leading Tiwi artists.