Jean-Michel Basquiat's slatted wood works are a compelling part of his oeuvre, reflecting his innovative use of unconventional materials and his distinctive visual language. These works often involved the use of found wood, including slatted wood panels, which he transformed into vibrant canvases filled with his characteristic bold imagery and text. This approach allowed Basquiat to blend elements of urban street art with more traditional forms of painting, creating a unique hybrid that challenged the boundaries of contemporary art.

One notable example is "Gold Griot" (1984), where Basquiat used a section of a slatted wooden fence as his canvas. This piece is distinguished by its raw, textural quality, with the slats providing a rhythmic, almost musical structure to the composition. The work features a central figure, drawn in Basquiat's signature style, surrounded by a cacophony of symbols and text that reflect his deep engagement with themes of race, identity, and cultural heritage. The use of slatted wood in this piece underscores Basquiat's ability to repurpose everyday materials into powerful, thought-provoking art (MyArtBroker) (MyArtBroker).

Another significant work that utilizes slatted wood is "Flexible" (1984), which also features a human figure set against a background of slatted wood. This figure, reminiscent of a West African griot, is depicted with arms that appear to be interconnected, symbolizing both physical flexibility and a deeper cultural resilience. The choice of material adds a tactile, three-dimensional quality to the work, enhancing its visual impact and underscoring Basquiat's innovative approach to art-making. The slatted wood serves not only as a support but also as an integral part of the narrative and aesthetic of the piece (MyArtBroker) (MyArtBroker).

Basquiat's use of slatted wood and other found materials is a testament to his creative ingenuity and his ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. These works stand as a powerful commentary on the intersections of art, culture, and social issues, encapsulating Basquiat's role as a trailblazing artist who continually pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. His slatted wood works, with their layered meanings and striking visual impact, continue to resonate with audiences, highlighting the enduring relevance of his artistic vision (Basquiat Archive) (MyArtBroker) (MyArtBroker).