CELIA SERRANO
artivist · composer · saxophonist · singer · facilitator
About the flowers:
Thanks for being part of this experience! Plant these seeds to keep the memory of the past alive, allowing the seeds of DNA of the land to spread their roots beyond this space. May the seed that grew within me find a place in you. See below for more information on how to plant each flower and uncover the story behind them. While you plant the seeds, you can also immerse yourself in the ritual by listening to my song De Paso.
De Paso
In 2022, I visited Westerbork for the first time as part of an artistic residency for my master's program in New Audiences and Innovative Practice. During this residency, I composed the piece De Paso, inspired by the idea that time transforms everything. What struck me about Westerbork was that a place once marked by horrors is now filled with beautiful nature. Yet, despite this beauty, the land still whispers the horrors of the past. DNA of the land is still deeply connected to this first impression of Westerbork, and to the idea that nature speaks to us, and it tells stories, if only we are willing to listen.
Carnation
Cuando no es una opción la resistencia solo nos quedará la resiliencia
Symbols:
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Revolution
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Freedom
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Resistance
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Fight
The story behind:
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Commander Gemmeker loved carnations, and his Jewish gardener, Fuchs, had to care for them in the garden of his home. On April 12, 1945, the day of liberation, Fuchs cut the carnations and threw them into the tanks of the Canadian soldiers. Discovering this historical moment deeply moved me, and it became one of the key symbols in DNA of the land.
How to plant the seeds?
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Prepare the soil: choose a well-drained area with plenty of sunlight.
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Sow the seeds: scatter the seeds lightly on the soil surface and gently press them down.
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Water carefully: keep the soil moist, but not soggy, until the seeds begin to germinate.
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Space out the plants: once the seedlings have grown strong enough, thin them out to ensure good air circulation.
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Enjoy the blooms: with time and care, your carnations will bloom, expanding the roots of resistance, freedom, fight and revolution.
Tansy
El tiempo todo lo transforma
no todo lo cura
Symbols:
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Hope
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Joy
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Liberation
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Escape
The story behind:
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Aunt Roosje was a woman who survived both the Westerbork transit camp and Auschwitz. During my residency, I met her niece, Marion, who shared her aunt’s story with me. Roosje was part of the Herbal Command in Auschwitz, where she was assigned to pick flowers, tansy among them. This task allowed her to escape, even if just momentarily, from the horrors of the camp and fantasize about freedom or “holidays”.
After the war, Roosje kept a bouquet of tansy flowers in the hallway of her home as a symbol of liberation.The symbolism of the tansy flower resonated with me, becoming a key element of my piece.
How to plant the seeds?
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Prepare the soil: tansy thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s hardy and can tolerate poorer soils, but needs good drainage.
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Sow the seeds: scatter the seeds on the soil surface, pressing them lightly, but don’t bury them deeply as they need light to germinate.
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Water carefully: keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Once germinated, reduce watering to let the soil dry between waterings.
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Space out the plants: once the seedlings are large enough, thin them out to avoid overcrowding. Tansy grows tall, so give them space.
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Enjoy the blooms: over time, your tansy will bloom, expanding the roots of hope, joy, liberation, and escape.
Lupine
Resisten las raíces de una tierra
que pese a la sequía
flores vuelven a la vida
Symbols:
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Nature
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Resilience
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Women
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Roots
The story behind:
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In Westerbork, the lupine has become a symbol of resilience and remembrance. Every spring, the former campgrounds turn into a vast purple sea, so deeply tied to the site’s identity that it even shapes the Memorial Center’s aesthetic.
On my first meeting at Westerbork, I asked, “Why is the website purple?” That’s when I learned its story. Despite everything that happened here, the lupine’s roots endure, blooming year after year—a quiet reminder of the persistence of nature.
How to plant the seeds?
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Prepare the soil: Lupins grow best in loose, well-drained soil, preferably sandy or light. Choose a sunny spot for them to thrive.
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Sow the seeds: Plant the seeds about 1–2 cm deep. Space them at least 30 cm apart to allow room for growth.
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Water carefully: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not overly wet. Lupins prefer moderate watering; too much water can lead to root rot.
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Space out the plants: Thin seedlings once they are large enough to handle, leaving enough space for air to circulate between plants.
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Enjoy the blooms: Your lupins will reward you with beautiful, vibrant flowers, expanding the roots of resilience, nature, and fertility.