A 74-year-old fruit vendor in New York City, found himself at the center of an unexpected whirlwind.

Alam, who sells fruit for $12 an hour on the Upper East Side, unwittingly became part of a viral art sensation when a banana he sold for just 35 cents was transformed into a $6.2 million artwork.

The piece, titled "Comedian," was created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, who duct-taped the banana to a gallery wall at Sotheby’s.

This act was intended as a commentary on the absurdity of the art market, where value is often dictated by context rather than intrinsic worth.

The artwork quickly gained notoriety, with its sale price reflecting the art world's penchant for the bizarre and the extravagant.

Alam, a nearly blind immigrant from Bangladesh, was devastated upon learning about the sale. "I am a poor man," he told a reporter from the New York Times, his voice breaking with emotion. "I have never had this kind of money; I have never seen this kind of money."

His reaction highlights the profound disconnect between the art market's valuations and the realities faced by individuals like him. Despite the media attention, Alam received no financial benefit from the sale.

Cattelan expressed empathy but did not offer assistance, stating, "Art, by its nature, does not solve problems if it did, it would be politics." However, Justin Sun, the new owner of "Comedian," pledged to buy 100,000 bananas from Alam, intending to distribute them worldwide as a gesture of gratitude.

Additionally, a concerned New Yorker launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Alam, promising to match the first $5,000 raised.

This initiative aims to provide some relief to Alam, who continues to work long hours to make ends meet.