treats images of the Blackface characters and minstrel shows. Charles appears to believe that by confronting racist and demeaning imagery, one can expose enduring subtle racist stereotypes. Public reception Charles' aggressive use of racial stereotypes has often been at the center of controversy. In a 1999 ARTnews article, Charles once explained, "Every time I have a show there are some black folks complaining." However, his blunt approach to his artwork suggests that he wants to elicit strong emotions from viewers. While many have criticized him for this, some have applauded Charles for his daring questioning. For example, director Spike Lee has spoken of the artist's work as "cinematic". "His works are one-sheets, posters for movies that Hollywood would never have the nerve to make, exploring race and sex in this country." Career and achievements Charles is amongst the first group of artists showcased in the 2001 PBS series titled "Art:21." The series highlights top artists of the 21st century. A 2003 article in Black Issues In Higher Education acknowledges Charles as one of the top future African-American scholars under forty. In 2000, he was a consultant on Spike Lee's film, "Bamboozled" and has been the subject of several film documentaries. He has served as a panelist for National Endowment for the Arts and jurors for The Bush Artist Fellowship and the Inaugural Biennial Underground Railroad Exhibition. His work was included in the 2006 documentary Race is the Place and exhibitions at Cotthem Gallery in Barcelona and the PMMK Museum of Modern Art in Ostend, Belgium. He lectures and exhibits nationally and internationally, and his work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in New York City, Düsseldorf, Paris, Belgium, Spain, Norway, Miami, and Santa Fe. His work is documented in many books, magazines, and newspapers as well as an extensive number public and private collection around the world including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, San Antonio Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art and the Austin Museum of Art. Charles continues to exhibit in national and international venues. His work remains the subject of books, magazines, and newspaper articles and is included in many public and private collection. Charles worked as a professor of art in the department of art and art history at The University of Texas at Austin until 2014. In 2014, Charles was appointed the Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished