JAKARTA — Two schoolboys stood outside the National Gallery of Indonesia in Jakarta one recent day, seemingly enthralled by the artist Heri Dono. While sitting at a covered picnic table for an interview, Mr. Dono gently tried several times, unsuccessfully, to shoo the 10-year-olds away.

“They remind me of me when I was their age,” said Mr. Dono, one of Indonesia’s most internationally recognized contemporary artists. The giggling boys eventually distanced themselves, but they appeared to remain entranced by the artist’s calm presence. Read more