In a small pocket of Arnhem Land called Maningrida, Deborah Wurrikidj has been working long days.

But the artist of more than 20 years said the hours go fast, as she pulls the ancient stories of her homeland into a contemporary exhibition set to be showcased at The Cross Arts Project in Sydney from April 20 until May 26.

Deborah, along with her sister Jennifer Wurrkidj and aunt Susan Marawarr, will also travel to the exhibition, which they sent art to last year but were unable to attend.

Their work's theme is Karrang Kunred, which in Kuninjku means "mother's homeland"; allowing them to take a piece of Arnhem land with them as they journey across the country.

"I know that place Sydney. Too many people, but good place," Deborah said.

"I'm feeling proud for my exhibition in Sydney and telling our stories."

Ingrid Johanson, the manager of the Babbarra Women's Centre where the women created the artwork, was excited for them.

"It's amazing to see the women get a real thrill of seeing their fabrics on display," she said.

"They're really, really proud to see their designs are of interest to the wider world."

Sisters Deborah and Jennifer printing Deborah's bush apple design. ( Supplied: Ingrid Johanson )

'A contemporary way of telling a very ancient story'

Ms Johanson said the homeland — the stone country in West Arnhem Land, near Mumeka and Barrihdjowkkeng homelands — was chosen as the theme because it was shared by the family of artists.

It held ancient stories, which the women told in contemporary artforms like screen painting and lino prints, as well as bark paintings, hollow funeral logs called lorrkon, carvings and fibre art.

"I think it's a contemporary way of telling a very ancient story and very strong history story," Ms Johnason said.

The exhibition will be at The Cross Arts Project in Sydney from April 20 until May 26. ( Supplied: Ingrid Johanson )

"The stories told [are] about country, or the spirits who live on that country. It's obviously a new way to tell the story but I think the story itself hasn't changed for many generations."

She said the stories were conveyed through both figurative and literal artistic representations.

One piece by Jennifer depicted the flowers and small forms of life that lived on the homeland, while another depicted young mermaids, which were represented in the ancient stories.

"Then there's other more abstract pieces that kind of depict country or dreaming sites which to the unknowing eye might [simply] look like a really interesting geometric shapes," she said.

Jennifer Wurrdkij painting the first stages of Kurrulk Kare screen print design. ( Supplied: Ingrid Johanson )

Maningrida women empowered through art

Ms Johanson said printmaking was introduced in Arnhem Land in the 1970s.

The Babbarra Women's Centre and Maningrida Arts and Culture, owned by the Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation, hosted printmaking workshops, which she said has now become a form of artistic expression used by generations of Maningrida women.

She said this meant the women of Maningrida now not only making up a large part of the contemporary art scene, but were often the breadwinners in families.

They tended to work across a larger variety of mediums than men, she said.

"Traditionally women always did the weaving. [But] the centre has always been just for women and they do textiles here, [which] meant really that textiles is just a women's space in Maningrida," she said.

"This has, really I guess, elevated women's art to the next level."

Deborah Wurrkidj, Susan Marawarr and Jennifer Wurrkidj on their Karrang Kunred mother's land, near Barrihdjowkkeng outstation in west Arnhem Land. ( Supplied: Ingrid Johanson )

Artist Susan Marawarr said the range of mediums had her head "full of ideas".

"My head is full up with ideas. I'm always thinking about my barks, lorrkon, printing," she said.

Recently the women have also been using their art for political advocacy.

Ms Johnason said that through the Babbarra Women's Governance Group the artists have lobbied for better health services in Maningrida, for environmental protection of their country against fracking, and for supporting people to return to live on their homelands.

She said they went about challenging these issues in a creative way, such as by screen printing T-shirts carrying the message.