"Could it be?!" She thought. "Was Bansky here?"
She knew what happened last time Bansky paid Detroit a visit, so she snapped a few photos and shot us an email looking for verification.
There were some signs that might've led Elster or any novice street art fan to believe it could be the infamous Bristol-based artist's work, who verifies his work once they've been spotted on his website.
First, it's widely known that he sorta has a thing for the color yellow. He also has a thing for birds. And, as seen in Detroit's Packard Plant and elsewhere in the world, he has a thing for yellow birds. A second sign might've been the piece of driftwood that this yellow chickadee is seemingly perched upon, as Bansky's known to cleverly incorporate natural surroundings into his work.
Alas, it is not a Banksy but just another in the endless series of "Fansky" imitations that pop up all over the world.
The stencil piece is done in Banksy's style, but lacks refinement and character. And though the driftwood perch is cute, it doesn't offer the atmospheric irony he's known for.
We reached out to 323 East Gallery owner Jesse Corey for comment: "It took all of about five seconds to rule this a fake ... someone playing with the bird theme," he said.
Detroit-based artist and global purveyor of street art Matt Eaton maintained similar affection. When we asked for his authentication he said, "Nah, not him, though if it turns up on his website (where Banksy authenticates his work) shoot me in the face because he really fell off."
