GONGMATIC
A unique art installation where ancient knowledge and handcraft
meets modern technology to create a new and unique way to experience sound.
After more than three years of passionate crafting and experimentation, Madhava Carrara and Margherita Cioffi from Grotta Sonora, and Simon Morris, combine the resonant sound of ancient gongs with modern technology to create a self-playing sound installation:
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Gongmatic
Starting from an Etruscan cave in Italy, Gongmatic is ready to push the boundaries of sound art.
It sends a powerful message that art, beauty and technology can coexist through the timeless sound of gongs.
WHAT IS
GONGMATIC
Gongmatic is an immersive sound and light installation composed by self playing gongs that blends ancient craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
Through the synergy between handmade gongs and self-playing technology, Gongmatic creates a unique sensory journey—accessible, meditative, and deeply resonant.
Each gong is hand-forged and precisely tuned to resonate on its own: no mallets, no speakers.
A custom-built resonant-field system activates pure vibration in real time, triggering tones
with accuracy and consistency.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Gongmatic is a fully programmable sound and light installation designed to deliver deeply immersive and customized experiences. The system can be activated through pre-set compositions or real-time interaction, with synchronized lighting.
The compositions and sessions resonated by Gongmatic are carefully crafted by the creators themselves, with the intention of guiding the listener.
Once programmed, Gongmatic can perform continuously, allowing the audience
to simply lie down, let go, and receive.
No mallets are used: the gongs are brought into vibration by a custom-built resonant-field system that activates pure tone in real time, without the use of speakers. The result is a seamless fusion of ancient sound and modern technology
THE VISION
We envision Gongmatic traveling across the world: from contemporary art galleries to wellness spaces, sacred architecture, public installations, and sound healing environments.
Each installation is a living sculpture, customized to its surroundings, evolving through the interpretations of different artists and musicians.
Our goal is to invite people into deep listening: to inspire stillness, creativity, and presence. Gongmatic is not just something to witness, but something to feel—an instrument of inner exploration and collective resonance. This is just the beginning.
WHERE TO EXPERIENCE GONGMATIC
- Italy - Gongmatic Mothership Cave
- New York - Coming soon
- Stockholm, Sweden - Haga Strand
Opening October 2nd 2025
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THE CREATORS
Simon Morris, based in New York, is a sound designer and inventor with expertise in music and sound healing. His work merges sound with science to enhance human well-being. Morris has showcased his talents globally and continues to innovate in the field, blending art with technology.
Grotta Sonora is an artisanal project about design and creation of experimental musical instruments and sound sculptures.
Madhava Carrara and Margherita Cioffi, artisans and musicians, started this project as a personal experimentation with sound, playing with different metal alloys and sound’s shapes.
Today they are professional gong and experimental musical instruments makers and sound healing musicians.
