A lot of art in the 20th Century relies heavily on context. The surroundings in which a work was placed became vital in defining the work as a work of art. It encourages the viewer to think on a broader scope to be able to understand the work. There is creativity in this as it was groundbreaking. When looked at today it is not impressive because all we see is a urinal turned over. However the placement of this object as a work of art is what made it art. It was a time when the boundaries of art were being stretched (and would eveantually be destroyed) to the point where the traditional view of art became incorporated with aspects of life that were not considered artistic before then.

Because the work relies on context, maybe it is safe to say that it is not a work of art now. But when placed and though of in context it becomes a work of art because it complies with aspects of the state of art at the time.