Jean-Michel Basquiat's three-canvas panel works, or triptychs, are a testament to his unique blend of visual and textual elements, often paying homage to influential figures in music and culture. One of the most famous examples of his triptych style is "Horn Players" (1983), which vividly showcases his admiration for jazz legends Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. This work features acrylic and oilstick on three canvas panels, where Basquiat merges portraits of Parker and Gillespie with his signature graffiti-like text and vibrant color swaths (Khan Academy) (Smarthistory).

In "Horn Players," the left panel features a portrait of Charlie Parker, who is depicted with his saxophone and surrounded by words like "ORNITHOLOGY" (a reference to one of Parker's famous compositions) and "PREE" (the name of Parker's daughter). The right panel portrays Dizzy Gillespie with his trumpet, accompanied by scat-inspired text "DOH SHOO DE OBEE," reflecting Gillespie's improvisational vocal style. The central panel connects the two musicians with more text and abstract forms, creating a dynamic interplay between visual and linguistic elements. This composition reflects Basquiat's deep engagement with the rhythm and improvisation inherent in jazz music, mirroring his own artistic process (Khan Academy) (The Broad).

Another significant three-canvas work by Basquiat is "Grillo" (1984), which continues his exploration of African American history and identity. This triptych features a central figure reminiscent of African griots, traditional storytellers and historians, set against a backdrop of fragmented text and symbols. Basquiat uses the triptych format to juxtapose different facets of his thematic concerns, from personal identity to broader cultural narratives. The slatted wood panels used in some of his works, such as "Flexible" (1984), add a tactile, almost sculptural quality to the paintings, emphasizing his innovative use of materials (MyArtBroker) (The Broad).

Basquiat's triptychs not only highlight his technical versatility but also his ability to weave complex, multi-layered narratives. By using three connected canvases, he could explore multiple themes and perspectives within a single piece, making these works rich in both visual and conceptual content. The triptych format allowed Basquiat to create a sense of continuity and dialogue between the panels, encouraging viewers to engage deeply with the interconnected stories and symbols he presented (Khan Academy)(The Broad).