Mark Rothko's artistic direction was strongly influenced by his personal experiences, particularly his Jewish heritage and the trauma of fleeing antisemitism. Growing up in a difficult family environment, he faced emotional struggles that profoundly impacted his work. Rothko sought to express deep human emotions through his use of color and form, aiming to evoke spiritual experiences in viewers. His time in New York City exposed him to diverse artistic movements, which further shaped his unique style. Ultimately, Rothko believed art could serve as a bridge to understanding abstract feelings and concepts, an idea rooted in his own life.