Mallari is known for a visual style similar to the contemporary Filipino figurative expressionism[2] common among members of the Grupong Salimpusa and Sanggawa art movements,[3][4] but distinguished by a narrative approach which one critic has described as exploring "the linkages between literature and art"[4] - an approach which she attributes to her exposure to the pre-digital animation industry during her developmental years as an artist.
[5] At UP, Mallari became part of Grupong Salingpusa, a group of young student artists which would later become significant voices in the Philippine contemporary art movement,[3] including such figures as Elmer Borlongan, Karen Flores and Manny Garibay.
[2] She also became part of Artista ng Bayan (ABAY), a volunteer group that practiced social activism by coming up with the murals and effigies which were used in street rallies.
[3] A subset of Grupong Salingpusa, consisting of Mallari, Borlongan, Flores, Mark Justiniani, and Federico Slevert, later came together to form the Sanggawa Art Collective in 1994.
Mallari's works have been featured in exhibitions all over the world, including Manila, Los Angeles, Denmark, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia.