Heri Dono studied at the Indonesian Institute of Arts (ISI), Yogyakarta, from which he deliberately dropped out just before graduation as he wanted to show that he could succeed as an artist without the certificate. He studied with the legendary Sukasman, who inspired him with the Javanese wayang. He resides in Yogyakarta, but is most of the time traveling, doing residencies or joining seminars elsewhere.

He is the recipient of the Prince Claus Award for Culture and Development (1998), the Unesco Prize in 2000, and the Anugerah Adhikarya Rupa (Arts Award) from the Indonesian Government (2014).

He has joined 270 exhibitions including 27 international biennales, among others the 50th Venice Biennale in the Arsenale's Zone of Urgency, Guangzhou Triennial (2011); Gwangju Biennale (2006 and 1995); Sharjah Biennial (2005); Taipei Biennial (2004); Venice Biennale (2003); Asia Pacific Triennial (2002 and 1993); Yokohama Triennial (2001); Havana Biennial (2000); Shanghai Biennale (2000); Sydney Biennale (1996); Sao Paolo Biennial (2004 and 1996).