Was BANKSY in Alabama?

A piece of graffiti spotted at the corner of South Perry Street and Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery has sparked a debate among local art enthusiasts about whether or not it's by famed street artist Banksy.

The art in question is a stencil, done in black spray paint, depicting Martin Luther King Jr. inside a dream catcher. He is looking into the distance and opening his shirt to reveal a red X on his chest. The Montgomery Advertiser reports locals believe it was painted the night of March 24 following Montgomery's 50th anniversary celebration of the Selma Voting Rights March.

While the style of piece is certainly similar to the enigmatic artist who is known for leaving controversial, anonymous street art all over the world, there is also evidence suggesting Banksy is not responsible.

The piece includes two signature emblems, a box with "50" written inside and a box with two hands holding a heart, which are not characteristic of the British artist.

"This has so many elements of Banksy, except for the two little squares on the bottom right," said Montgomery resident and Banksy enthusiast Carolyn Wright. "The location, the colors, the theme, the stencil, all scream Banksy."

In addition, a few people have offered information on social media suggesting it is not a Banksy. One resident said that the piece was done by an Alabama artist, but fear of being charged with vandalism prevents him from confirming the art as his own.

"The artist is local, but is unable to claim the piece because he wishes to stay anonymous," said Devin Yates, who said she knows the artist through a friend.

The Mobile Arts Council also weighed in after AL.com shared a photo of the piece on social media, saying that its style is relatively common among street artists.

"This style is not distinctly Banksy," said the Mobile Arts Council. "It is a very common style among street artists using stencils and monochromatic coloring."

In 2008, Banksy was credited with a painting of a KKK member hanging from a noose on an abandoned gas station near Birmingham. The owner quickly painted over the piece, and no other street art in Alabama has been attributed to Banksy since.

Unless either artist takes ownership of the Montgomery piece, there's a good chance we won't be able to confirm either way.